.
Learning outcome and competence
The students are to acquire a basic knowledge of and insight into the methods of and sources for local and family history work in local communities in general, and elements from the historiography of Norwegian local history work in particular. They are also expected to be able to distinguish between the three elements in the course title, and to complete an independent investigation within the field.
Course content
HI114 consists of two components: a theory module in combination with an individual research paper. Students admitted to Volda University College within exchange programmes (Erasmus, Nordplus, Leonardo) and bilateral agreements (Study Abroad) between Volda University College and an international partner institution may take the 6 ECTS credits version (HI114B) course only.
The theory module provides an introduction to the field. It is divided into three main subjects: 1. Sources. 2. Methods. 3. Norwegian local history. The sources subject focuses on universal categories: those that can be created by the researcher (interviews) or are to be found in private possession and public archives, such as letters, maps, newspaper clippings, oral statements, photographs, names of persons and places, censuses, probate records, church records and others. The methods subject discusses how we can ask questions and what kind of answers we can expect from local history sources. In the historiography subject we shall have a brief look at the local history genre in Norway.
In addition to the theory module the students shall write an individual research paper on a relevant topic from their home or some other local community. The topic of the paper has to be approved by the teacher. The paper may be written in the student’s home country and handed in to VUC electronically by the examination day at the latest.
Organisation and work methods:
Teaching in the theory module is offered in the form of lectures (partly mandatory), group work and individual work. The writing of papers on the three main subjects is an important component in the theory module of the course. Each student shall write one paper on one of the subjects and give written and oral responses to drafts of papers written by fellow students on the two others.
In writing the research paper the teacher will act as a tutor. It is recommended that students who choose related topics cooperate and give responses on each others’ drafts. Each student must, however, write his/her own individual paper.
Course requirements (must be approved in order to take the final examination)
For the theory module each student must submit a portfolio that is to include one paper and two comments on drafts written by fellow students. Each student will be given one response by the teacher to his or her paper after having received comments from fellow students, and will have the opportunity to improve the paper before it is handed in for assessment.
Assessment and examination:
The portfolio from the theory module in combination with the research paper and possible written comments on the draft of a paper by a fellow student are given a joint assessment with grades awarded on a scale from A-F, where E is the lowest passing grade.
.
Syllabus:
Coursebook:
Williams, Michael A. 1996: Researching Local History. The Human Journey. Longman. London and New York.
Compendium, contents:
Finnegan, Ruth 1994: Perspectives on your own study. Chapter 1 Starting from where you are. Finnegan, Ruth and Michael Drake (ed.): Studying family and community history. 19th and 20th Centuries. Vol. 1: From family tree to family history. Cambridge University Press in association with The Open University. Page 9-28 (20 pages).
Pryce, W.T.R. and Michael Drake 1994: People on the move. Chapter 1 Studying migration. Pryce, W.T.R. (ed.): Studying family and community history. 19th and 20th Centuries. Vol. 2: From family history to community history. Cambridge University Press in association with The Open University. Page 5-27 (23 pages).
Golby, John 1994: Work and occupation. Chapter 1 Ideas and debates on work. Golby, John (ed.): Studying family and community history. 19th and 20th Centuries. Vol. 3: Communities and families. Cambridge University Press in association with The Open University. Page 3-10 (8 pages).
Drake, Michael and Ruth Finnegan 1994: Some basics. Chapter 1 Questions and strategies for research. Finnegan, Ruth and Michael Drake (ed.): Studying family and community history. 19th and 20th Centuries. Vol. 4: Sources and methods: a handbook. Cambridge University Press in association with The Open University. Page 3-14 (12 pages).
Marvick, Arthur 1994: Chapter 2 Primary sources: Handle with care. Finnegan, Ruth and Michael Drake (ed.): Studying family and community history. 19th and 20th Centuries. Vol. 4: Sources and methods: a handbook. Cambridge University Press in association with The Open University. Page 16-23 (8 pages).
Winge, Harald 1995: Local History. Hubbard, William H. et. al. (ed.): Making a Historical Culture. Historiography in Norway. Scandinavian University Press. Oslo - Copenhagen - Stockholm - Boston. Page 240-260 (21 pages).
.
Evaluation and quality assurance:
The module is evaluated according to the VUC quality assurance system