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Higher Diploma in Archival
Studies: Syllabus
Ancillary
component
Module V Select lecture series
HDAS5ñ1
Archival theory, history and practice
HDAS5ñ2 Irish
palaeography and Irish MSS
HDAS5ñ3
Sources
HDAS5ñ4
Administrative, legal and constitutional history
HDAS5ñ5
Latin palaeography
HDAS5ñ6
Administrative structures and records
HDAS5ñ1
Archival theory, history and practice
Hilary and Trinity terms (2 x week)
Archives have always played a significant role in governance and in society, a role which has changed considerably over many millennia. It is important for archivists to understand the historical evolution of their craft and the past events which shape their professional perceptions. If they do not, they will fail to understand why archival theory and practice is often unique to a particular country, something reflected in the professional literature archivists read. It is also important to understand archival science, how it has evolved and how it is viewed at the threshold of a new century.
| Aim: |
To understand the evolution of archival theory and practice and the nature of contemporary practice in different countries and on different continents. |
| Objectives: |
To develop insight into the nature of archival practice from c. 4,000 years BC to modern times.
To become familiar with archival practice in Ireland, the United Kingdom and in select European and new world countries.
To understand the evolution and nature of archival science and its underlying theories.
To understand global threats to the preservation of the worldís archival patrimony. |
| Content: |
History and evolution of archival practice in the ancient clay tablet cultures, during the classical era, and in the medieval, early modern and modern periods.
Contemporary archival practice in Ireland, United Kingdom, France, Germany, United States and in Canada.
Issues in contemporary archives particularly with reference to the role of international bodies and the support of archives in the developing world.
Development of archival theory in Europe from the sixteenth century and the nature of archival science.
Global threats to the preservation of archives and archives laws. |
| Learning outcomes and competencies: |
Understanding the history and theory of archives.
Familiarity with contemporary archival practice in select countries in Europe and elsewhere.
Ability to contextualise professional literature, theory and attitudes.
Familiarity with the issues facing the profession on a worldwide basis today.
Critical approach to contemporary theoretical issues. |
| Testing: |
Written examination. |
HDAS5ñ2 Irish
palaeography and Irish MSS
Michaelmas, Hilary and Trinity terms (24 sessions).
The origin and development of writing; the evolution of the book before printing; writing materials in the ancient and medieval world; the origin and evolution of script in early Ireland; the great books of Ireland - Kells, Durrow and Armagh; the monastic scriptoria and the writing of the Irish annals; the origin of the auxiliary historical sciences, the Bollandists and the Maurists; a brief survey of medieval diplomatic.
| Testing: |
Written examination. |
HDAS5ñ3
Sources
Michaelmas or Hilary and Trinity terms (12 sessions)
Genealogical research in Ireland; the National Archives and its collections as a source for the local historian; folklore archives as a source for local history; maps and surveys, pictures and photographs as a records of local communities; legal records and papers relating to land in Ireland; school records and their uses; family settlements and the status of women as seen in local records; a local history case study with reference to sources. The purpose of this course is to introduce the range and scope of material available for researching aspects of Irish local history.
| Testing: |
Written examination. |
HDAS5ñ4
Administrative, legal and constitutional history
Michaelmas or Hilary and Trinity terms (12 sessions).
An introduction to Irish legal history up to 1171, from 1171 to 1800, from 1800 to 1922 and from 1922 to the present but dealing mainly with the last two periods; the development of the Irish constitution before the Union, the significance of the constitution of the United Kingdom in the nineteenth century and the transitional arrangements in 1922 and 1937; the courts and the major changes in the law; the law in relation to antiquities, archives and heritage matters and consideration of recent legislation and cases; the impact of Irelandís membership of the European community.
| Testing: |
Written examination. |
HDAS5ñ5
Latin palaeography
Michaelmas, Hilary and Trinity terms (24 sessions).
The development of Latin script from its earliest recorded cursive beginnings to the Humanist scripts of the fifteenth and sixteenth centuries; consideration will be made of the materials employed in the middle ages and the renaissance. This course will be practical and is designed to develop a facility to identify, read and where possible, date and place different scripts.
| Testing: |
Written examination. |
HDAS5ñ6
Administrative structures and records
Michaelmas term (12 sessions).
Studies in the historical development of administrative structures, their functioning and records at national and local government level in the Republic of Ireland, in church and congregational bodies and in the corporate sectors.
| Testing: |
Not tested by written examination. |
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Professional Education
