Course overview
The aim of this course is to provide students with an overview of different types of print, object, sound, celluloid and digital archives and why these matter when it comes in preserving, recording and recounting the past. Students will learn about the past, present and future of archives; what they reveal about our official and unofficial cultural history as well as that which has been forgotten, neglected or ignored. Having considered how new and future digital innovations may impact traditional archiving, students will develop a creative reuse project using new technologies. Students will critically analyse the ethical and legal implications of open access and distribution of digital archives.
Course learning outcomes
- Demonstrate a knowledge of different types of archives and archival institutions across international, national, state and local environments.
- Develop a broad understanding of theoretical perspectives in relation to digital archiving.
- Apply a nuanced understanding of how archives are managed, what they reveal (and conceal).
- Acquire and implement new knowledge about how emerging digital technologies are transforming the archival world.
- Reflect upon the ethical implications, and social and cultural impacts of combining old materials with new technologies.