13119

WiSe 20/21: Doing Global History with Digital Archives

Michael Facius

Comments

The digitalization of historical materials is proceeding at a staggering pace. From national archives to local libraries, many institutions now allow easy access to an unprecedented number of sources, while digital humanities projects make them come alive in virtual exhibitions, interactive maps, and other innovative formats. This development opens up new opportunities for historical research. In this seminar we will explore these opportunities and practice working with digital archives, individually and collaboratively. To this end, the seminar is comprised of three interlocking elements: a) readings and reflections on archival studies, the history of archives, and the chances and limits of digitalization; b) exploration of a wide range of digital archives, including their interfaces, databases and contents; and c) hands-on practice in the use of digital archives for comparative, transnational, and global historical projects. The seminar is focused not on specific historical content, but on the epistemics of archives, methodologies of archival work and collaborative digital practices in global history. This means that you are actively encouraged to bring your own ideas, interests and topics to the online classroom; also, while the in-class language is English, the seminar hopes to make use of the different linguistic backgrounds and expertise of all participants. close