Archival Methods
Key Facts
| Module Code |
SOCI4068 |
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| Module Convenor |
Anne-Marie Kramer |
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| Teaching Pattern |
Intensive Block
Two-day workshop |
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| Semester Taught |
Spring Semester |
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| Method of Assessment |
Written assignment |
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| Pre Requisites |
SOCI4073 Foundations in Qualitative Methods or equivalent to be determined by the convenor
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| Module Administrator |
Tarine Felix |
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This hands-on module will give students experience in analysing archival records.
Archival methods and documents in general are often neglected in sociology, but they have been central to the practice of many other related disciplines, including history, political science and more recently, anthropology. Indeed there is a resurgence of interest in the archive (both public and private) across cultural studies and, in particular, memory studies. Informed by insights from other disciplinary contexts, this module will explore how and why the archive as a research site might similarly be of interest to qualitative sociologists and investigate how archival documents can be used in research. The module will therefore both offer an introduction to archive theory and a hands-on introduction to working with a variety of archival documents.
The module will consider the following issues:
- How might we define the status and purpose of the archive and its contents?
- How does the archive’s status and purpose influence our mode of engagement with it?
- What are the politics of the archive? What ‘traces’ are present, what missing, with what gendered, ‘raced’, classed etc. results?
- How have historians and others worked with and within the archive, given these limitations?
- What are the advantages and limitations in ‘re-using’ qualitative archived data?
- Approaches to interpreting archival documents
Students will be expected to complete background reading ahead of the taught sessions.
Please note, this is an interdisciplinary module that is open to students from across the social sciences. If you have any doubts about whether the course is suitable for your needs or level of study, please contact the module convenor before registering.