LET-HLCS-HS01
Sources of Historical Research
Course infoSchedule
Course moduleLET-HLCS-HS01
Credits (ECTS)5
Category-
Language of instructionEnglish
Offered byRadboud University; Faculty of Arts; Graduate School;
Lecturer(s)
Lecturer
dr. L. Foubert
Other course modules lecturer
Examiner
prof. dr. H.G.J. Kaal
Other course modules lecturer
Lecturer
prof. dr. H.G.J. Kaal
Other course modules lecturer
Coordinator
prof. dr. H.G.J. Kaal
Other course modules lecturer
Contactperson for the course
prof. dr. H.G.J. Kaal
Other course modules lecturer
Academic year2021
Period
PER 3  (31/01/2022 to 10/04/2022)
Starting block
PER 3
Course mode
full-time
Remarks-
Registration using OSIRISYes
Course open to students from other facultiesNo
Pre-registrationNo
Waiting listNo
Placement procedure-
Aims
Upon completion of the course, you are able:
  1. to reflect critically upon the use of primary sources in historical research, both orally and in writing, in the English language;
  2. to select relevant sources for your own historical research;
  3. to apply both internal and external source criticism;
  4. to select and justify the use of specific methodologies for your own historical research;
  5. to manage the data acquired through historical research, using relevant ICT applications;
  6. to apply the English academic language skills (written and oral) that are needed to participate in academic debatesin the field of Historical Studies.
 
This course particularly works towards acquiring ReMa’s final qualifications 1, 3, 5, 6 and 7.
Content
This interactive course explores the use of primary sources in historical research. Based on the study of secondary literature, we will discuss theoretical and practical issues regarding the use of sources. You will also reflect on the use of a particular source set, which you could also use as the basis for your ReMa thesis. We specifically invite you to  reflect on the opportunity to integrate perspectives 'from below' in your research.

Historians typically base their analysis on primary sources, ranging from texts, images, and objects to qualitative and quantitative sources. Working with such a wide variety of sources not only requires specialist skills but also a thorough understanding of how to incorporate sources into a research project. These are the topics we will discuss in the course Sources of Historical Research. This includes identifying what type of sources could be useful to answer your research question; locating these in archives, libraries, museum, and online databases; analysing them; and reporting your findings in an intelligible text. The course offers you the opportunity to reflect on the use of a particular set of sources. Your task is to discuss the relationship between research question, source selection, and methodology. 
 
Level

Presumed foreknowledge

Test information

Specifics

Recommended materials
To be announced

Instructional modes
Seminar

Tests
Paper
Test weight70
Test typeProject
OpportunitiesBlock PER 3, Block PER 4

Minimum grade
5,5

Presentation
Test weight30
Test typeOral exam
OpportunitiesBlock PER 3, Block PER 4

Minimum grade
5,5