IL11120 - THE ARCHIVAL INHERITANCE

Module Identifier

IL11120

Module Title

THE ARCHIVAL INHERITANCE

Academic Year

2003/2004

Co-ordinator

Ms Mary E Ellis

Semester

Semester 2 (Taught over 2 semesters)

Course delivery

Lecture

10 Hours 10 x 1 hour lectrures

Seminars / Tutorials

10 Hours 10 x 1 hour seminars

Assessment

Assessment Type	Assessment Length/Details	Proportion
Semester Assessment	Analysis of selected archival material. Analysis and assessment of its evidential and/or cultural value - weighted 30%.
Semester Assessment	Essay of 1,500 words - weighted 30%
Semester Assessment	Evaluative report of 1,500 words - weighted 40%

Learning outcomes

On completion of this module, students should be able to:

Outline the history of the collection, use and management of archives in the UK and

Discuss the nature of archives and explain their value to present society

Evaluate selected archival documents

Explain the difference between primary and secondary sources

Locate archival sources through familiarity with the pattern of archive keeping in the UK

Describe the functions of an archive service and the work of a professional archivist

Brief description

The module focuses in the first instance on the history of the UK?s ?archival inheritance? and its unique range. The nature of archives ? as evidence of past and actions and decisions, as the ?nation?s memory? and as a part of the cultural heritage ? is then considered. Students will be encouraged to locate, analyze, and evaluate a range of archival sources. In this way they will become aware of the issues which are connected with the use of primary sources, and the distinctions between primary ad secondary sources.

Aims

This module will provide a introduction to the range and nature of archival sources which are to be encountered in the UK and will also introduce to students the principles of the discipline of Archive Administration. It is an essential area of study for students pursuing the Historical and Archival Studies degree scheme, but it will be a relevant module also for any student with an interest in the documentary heritage of the UK.

Content

This module will include:

A historical review of the collection, use and management of the United Kingdom?s archival inheritance and the establishment of major national repositories and institutions

An overview of the nature and extent of the united Kingdoms? archival inheritance

An examination of the importance of archives as ?primary sources? do evidence, and comparison of the use of primary and secondary sources

An examination of the current significance of archives to society

The current pattern of archive keeping in the UK

The role and work of an archivist

The functions of an archive service

Reading Lists

Books
** Recommended Background
Archives at the Millennium (1999) The Twenty-Eighty Report of the Royal Commission on Historical Manuscripts London, HMSO
Clanchy M.T (1992) From Memory to Written Record: England 1066-1307 Blackwell Publishers
Ellis Judith ed (1993) Keeping Archives Port Melbourne: Thorpe in Association with Australian Society of Archivists
Kitching C (1996) Archives, the very essence of our heritage Chichester, Phillimore
Lawes A (1996) Chancery Lane 1377-1977: The Strong Box of the Empire London: PRO
Martin G.H and P Spufford eds (1990) The Records of the Nation The Boydell Press, Woodbridge

Web Page/Sites
** Recommended Text
`Gathering the Jewels Project? www.gtj.org.uk
** Recommended Background
Public Record Office www.pro.gov.uk

Notes

This module is at CQFW Level 4