[Sample 2007, 9-week course]

Troy University—Dothan Campus
Syllabus, HIS 3360, Intro to Archives

 

Instructor Contact Information

Dr. Martin T. Olliff

LT 221 (inside Archives of Wiregrass History and Culture)

Phone:  334-983-6556 x327
E-Mail:  molliff@troy.edu

Website:  http://dothan.troy.edu/AS/molliff

Course Prerequisites:  Junior standing + Nine hours of History Coursework

Required Texts

Gregory Hunter, Developing and Maintaining Practical Archives, 2^nd edition (NY:  Neil-Schuman, Publishers, 2003)

Maygene F. Daniels and Timothy Walch, A Modern Archives Reader Washington, DC: National Archives and Records Administration, 2002)

Other Readings Provided by Instructor via Blackboard—See Course Calendar

Course Content:  The course contains two segments:  1) an introduction to the tasks of archival work and, 2). a primer on archives and the history of archival development A take-home exam follows each section.  I will provide potential exam questions in advance.  You will have a short paper (1500-2000 words) for which you will turn in an electronic copy.

Method of Instruction:  The Course Calendar lists each class meeting topic and assigned readings.  While I expect every student to become familiar with every reading, I will assign, in turn, one student to be the lead explicator for each assigned text.  Class will consist of discussions of the texts and the issues raised therein.  Also, as appropriate and available, I will assign actual cases for the class to consider in order to focus and apply principles under consideration.

Evaluations:  Your grade for the course comes from the following:

First Take-Home Exam = 25% of final grade
Final Take-Home Exam = 25% of final grade
Class Participation = 30% of final grade
Short Paper on an Archival Topic = 20% of final grade.

Attendance Policy:  According to the Troy University Undergraduate Bulletin, “Each student is expected to attend [his/her] classes at the designated time and place scheduled.”

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.”

Blackboard:  Use Blackboard to access information about this course, including class messages, the syllabus, changes to course calendar, questions for the readings, Research Paper information, etc.  Access Blackboard from the Troy University—Dothan Campus webpage.

E-mail:  I send out frequent mass and individual e-mails using Blackboard and ASSUME you receive them.  Your MUST update your personal information on Blackboard to make sure your e-mail address is the one you actually use.  Just because you send me an e-mail does not mean I will update your Blackboard information.

Academic Misconduct Policy:  “Your work may [will] be submitted to an on-line plagiarism detection service.  Cheating, plagiarism, or knowingly furnishing false information to the University constitutes academic misconduct, and disciplinary procedures specified in the Student Handbook will be followed.” 

Turnitin.com:  You may self-check your research proposals and papers for originality by submitting them to Turnitin.com.  See the instructional PowerPoint slideshow on the class Blackboard site.  Your Turnitin Class ID number is [REDACTED]; your Password is [REDACTED].

Penalties:  If you cheat, I will assign you a grade of “0” (Zero) for the assignment.  If you plagiarize, I will assign a “0” for the assignment AND turn in your name to the University Administration.  If you cheat or plagiarize egregiously, I will initiate action with the Student Services Committee.

Deadlines:  There are no “do-overs.”  Once you’ve turned in your work, it’s in, though I am happy to examine a draft before the deadline.

Excuses for missing work:  If you do not have a valid excuse for missing a class, exercise, or exam, you will not be allowed to make up the work.  Allowed excuses include documented physical incapacity (hospitalized, jailed, dead).  Inadequate excuses include computer problems (you have time to change computers).  Also, you must contact me IMMEDIATELY if you get bumped from an on-line quiz or test.

Late Work:  Work is due at the beginning of the class hour on the due date unless otherwise stated.  You must have a documented excused absence or have my prior consent to turn work in late.  Penalty for late work is 5 points per day. 

Americans With Disabilities Act:  Students with disabilities, or those who suspect they have a disability, must register with the Disability Services Coordinator in order to receive accommodations.  Students currently registered should present their Disability Services Accommodation Letter to the instructor at the beginning of each term.  If you have any questions, contact the Disability Services Coordinator at (334) 983-6556 ext 1221 or visit Malone Hall 120.

Since campus elevators are subject to power outages and mechanical breakdown beyond our control, students who have difficulty negotiating stairs and are attending classrooms above ground level should notify their instructor during the first week of class.  Consideration will be given to relocating the classroom or making other arrangements.

Course Calendar (subject to change)