Initiation to historical research

Teacher(s)

Desmette Philippe (coordinator); Liard Florence (compensates Desmette Philippe);

Language

French

Learning outcomes

At the end of this learning unit, the student is able to :

The aim is to initiate the students to the daily techniques of the historians' work, by giving them also the possibility to use their historical criticism and encyclopaedia of history knowledge. The different aspects of scientific research in history (questionnaire, bibliographic research, critical treatment of works and of an original source, writing and argumentation) are thus taken into account. The end of year work is the opportunity for students to demonstrate their acquisition and integration of knowledge and know-how: it is their first “masterpiece” in preparation of the seminar works and the master's thesis.

Content

Using a transperiod approach, this class introduces the students to the fundamental aspects of methodological practice for a generalist historian. The following topics will be explained and practiced in class, both through collectively as well as individually: critical assessment of historical sources (what information can one get from them?) and published works in the field of history (how to conduct research and communicate scientific results?); identifications of persons, places, institutions; basic information search; bibliographical research; book reviews. Through the writing of an argumentative essay, the student is expetced to demonstrate that s/he has acquired these various skills.

Teaching methods

During the Fall session, the course will be structured around four different modules that reflect the successive steps of scientific research in history. The course sessions will combine theoretical explanation with hands-on exercises, which will be corrected collectively or through individual feedback. The Spring session will be organized around the preparation of the argumentative essay. Attendance will be mandatory; students will be required to present their work at various programmed times throughout the session.
Artificial intelligence sofwares must be used in a responsible way and in compliance with the ethic norms of scientific research and academic writing. 

Evaluation methods

Continuous assessment : individual works and exercises throughout the academic year (30%). Final examination : argumentative essay (70%). Writing and grammatical mistakes can lead up to a penalty of three point out of the final grade for the course. Non-compliance with the ethics of scientific research and academic writing may result in failure for the course. 

Other information

A bibliographic syllabus is made available for the Introduction to historical resources (BHIST1112). Specificities will be discussed during the course and exercise sessions.

Bibliography

Le cours repose sur la bibliographie générale du cours de Ressources documentaires en histoire. Des éléments plus particuliers seront signalés pour la réalisation des travaux.

Faculty or entity

PHLB