Back to the Sources
Volledige vakbeschrijving
This research training offers a first, hands-on introduction the critical analysis of primary sources, especially those related to the (early) history of European integration. In three consecutive assignments the following types of primary sources will be discussed: public political statements, archival government records and public opinion sources (including opinion polls). Students will be introduced to the quality control criteria of authenticity, credibility and representativeness which they will need to apply themselves to a number of sources. Two of the three assignments will result in group presentations, in which students will work together to present their analysis of a number of primary sources.
Doelstellingen van dit vak
This training teaches a critical and methodical attitude towards sources. At the end of this training, students will be able to:
- Differentiate between primary and secondary sources;
- Appreciate the importance of primary sources for the study of historical and contemporary phenomena;
- Recognise the different characteristics and pitfalls of several types of primary sources;
- Apply the quality control criteria of authenticity, credibility and representativeness to any given source
Aanbevolen literatuur
Material to be provided during the course