Syllabus:  HIS 3360,
Introduction to Archives--Theory and Issues

Troy State University Dothan

Instructor / Contact Info:      

Dr. Martin T. Olliff
Rm. 231, Library & Technology Building, TSUD
Ph:  334-983-6556 x327
E-mail:  molliff@troy.edu
Home Page:  dothan.troy.edu/AS/molliff

[NB:  This is a TENTATIVE Syllabus, posted on August 8, 2002, for information purposes ONLY and SUBJECT TO CHANGE]

Course Credit:   3 hours

Prerequisites:   Junior Standing + Six hours of History Courses.

Course Description:  

This course will introduce students to the history and social value of records and archives, to the theory underlying professional archival practice, and to the application of archival theory in the digital world.

Course Objectives:

Textbooks:

Daniels, Maygene F. and Timothy Walch, eds.  A Modern Archives Reader:  Basic Readings on Archival Theory and Practice.  Washington, DC:  National Archives and Records Service, 1984.

Jimerson, Randall C.  American Archival Studies:  Readings in Theory and Practice.  Chicago:  Society of American Archivists, 2000.

Other Readings From (Placed on Reserve):

Burke, Frank G. Research and the Manuscript Tradition.  Lanham, MD:  Scarecrow Press, 1997.

Jones, H. G.  Local Government Records.  Nashville:  AASLH,

Posner, Ernst.  Archives in the Ancient World.  Cambridge, MA:  Harvard University Press, 1972.

Posner, Ernst.  American State Archives.  Chicago:  University of Chicago Press, 1964.

Walch, Timothy.  Guardian of Heritage:  Essays on the History of the National Archives.  Washington, D.C. : National Archives and Records Administration, 1985.

Yates, JoAnne.  Control Through Communication:  The Rise of System in American Management.  Baltimore and London:  The Johns Hopkins University Press, 1989.

Various Articles.

Activities:

The Instructor will use reading discussions, lectures, and accessing of the Internet and World Wide Web to impart the information students need to develop their archival knowledge and understanding.

 Students are expected to have and access an e-mail account, and to subscribe to the ARCHIVES AND ARCHIVISTS listserve.

 Course Content:

Unit 1:

History of Written Records and Archives
Role of Records in Modern Society

Unit 2:

Growth of Archives in United States
Varieties of Archival Programs and Repositories

Unit 3:

Professional Knowledge and Ethics of American Archivists
Archives in the Digital World

Evaluations:  

There will be one final , take-home exam, worth 50% of the student's grade.  The other 50% will come from active participation in class discussions.

Attendance Policy:    

According to the TSUD Undergraduate Bulletin, “Each student is expected to attend [his/her] classes at the designated time and place scheduled.”  This is particularly true of exams.  If you must miss an exam, we will agree upon a time to take the makeup within 10 days of your return to class.

If you drop the class, be sure you file the appropriate paperwork.  If you remain on my roll at the end of the term but have never attended or have stopped attending class, I will assign you an “FA.”

Academic Misconduct Policy:

“Cheating, plagiarism, or knowingly furnishing false information to the University constitute academic misconduct.”  The TSUD Student Handbook specifies the disciplinary procedures I will follow if I suspect a student of misconduct.  This is simple--don't cheat, don't lie, don't steal other peoples' work.

Americans With Disabilities Act:  

Any student whose disability falls within ADA guidelines should inform the instructor at the beginning of the term of any special accommodations or equipment needs necessary to accomplish the requirements for this course.  Students must register documentation with the Disability Services Coordinator (Malone 120).   If you have questions, call (334) 983-6556, ext. 1-221 or e-mail <counseling@tsud.edu>.

Course Calendar [Sample Only]