HIST 400: Topics in Digital Archives
Credit Hours: (3)
This practicum in the field of digital archives will cover, at an advanced level, the creation, presentation, analysis, and research of digital archival collections. Students will immerse themselves in archival material of historical significance and gain hands-on experience with digital archives and creation of virtual/digital exhibits. May be taken more than once for credit. A maximum of 3 credit hours may be applied towards the History Major. A maximum of 6 credit hours may be applied towards the Applied History Minor.
Note(s): May be taken more than once for credit. Applied Learning designated course.
Detailed Description of Course
This introduction to and practicum in the field of digital archives will cover the creation, presentation, analysis. and research of digital archival collections. Students will immerse themselves in archival material of historical significance and gain hands-on experience with digital archives. May be taken more than once for credit. A maximum of 3 credit hours may be applied towards the History Major. (*) Group A, B, C depending on content.
Detailed Description of Conduct of Course
Course instruction may include presentations by the instructor and by guests, readings in digital archive theory and practice, and graded individual and group projects.
This practicum will focus on the transcription, presentation, research, and dissemination of archival material, typically in a digital format. Students will transcribe archival documents, and prepare the transcriptions for use by others - writing succinct summaries of documents, identifying keywords, creating accessible research data that can be used by others, and preparing electronic files for each document. Students will also analyze the content of the documents in a historical context and provide editorial comments to assist researchers or public viewers in understanding the documents and their contexts. This course will provide students with the skills to create, present, and work with digital versions of archival materials. It may also produce substantive, lasting digital historical resources created by students via digitized archival collections.
Goals and Objectives of the Course
Upon successful completion of this course students will be able to:
Assessment Measures
The exact assessment measures will vary. They may include a variety of assignments: transcription of archival material, creation of metadata, individual or group small projects, a digital e-portfolio or other type exhibit, presentation of project, a final reflection essay.
Other Course Information
May be taken more than once for credit. A maximum of 3 credit hours may be applied towards the History Major. A maximum of 6 credit hours may be applied towards the Applied History Minor.
Review and Approval
March 27, 2017
June 17, 2025
February 26, 2026