INFO 6800 Archives (Winter 2013) – Participation and In-Class Exercises | 1

INFO 6800 Archives – Participation and In-Class Exercises

Due Date: Throughout the Term Weight: 20% Goals:

To relate course readings to seminars, in-class discussions, and other course

activities

To gain familiarity with contemporary and emerging issues in archives

To develop skills analyzing and interpreting archives literature

To provide practical opportunities to apply theoretical concepts discussed in

class

Relevant Course Learning Objectives:

To develop an understanding of the core archival functions and how they are

practiced in contemporary Canadian archives

To develop an understanding of the relationship of archives to their communities

and to other repositories, such as manuscript and historical centres, special

collections libraries, museums, documentation centres, etc.

To develop an understanding of the fundamental differences between archives

and libraries and the interdependence of records management and archives in

managing records

Participation Description:

A high degree of participation in class will be expected. Student participation and

engagement are critical to ensuring the material is adequately covered. At a basic level,

this means:

1. Regular attendance

2. Discerning reading of the assigned texts

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3. Engaging with in-class discussions and exercises

4. Collegial interaction with your peers

Discussions will continue online. Simple attendance of every class is not enough to

guarantee a passing class participation grade.

Participation Tips:

1. Review the weekly discussion questions prior to reading the assigned readings

2. Prepare additional discussion questions based on your interpretation of the

readings

3. Pay particular attention to the readings used in the seminar presentations. The

issues raised in these readings will receive extra attention during the

presentation and ensuing discussion

4. Don’t be afraid to say you don’t understand!

In-Class Exercises Description:

Throughout the semester, a variety of in-class exercises will be conducted. These

exercises will usually involve the use of actual archival materials and will therefore take

place in the Killam Library (Room 2616). The exercises are designed to provide a

practical opportunity to apply the theoretical concepts discussed in class. They are also

designed to provide an opportunity to handle archival materials and discuss issues and

challenges with various formats. Handouts for each exercise are available for download

via the course blackboard site. A high degree of participation in the in-class exercises

will be expected. At a basic level, this means:

1. Review of exercise goals and learning objectives

2. Critical examination of the archival materials

3. Engagement with your group and participation in ensuing class discussion

4. Collegial interaction with your peers

INFO 6800 Archives (Winter 2013) – Participation and In-Class Exercises | 3

Experiences from in-class exercises will be raised in future class discussions. Simple

attendance of every class is not enough to guarantee a passing class participation

grade.

In-Class Exercises Tips:

1. Review the handouts for in-class exercises prior to class. They contain tips,

suggestions, and questions to ask during the exercise.

2. Pay particular attention to the goals and learning objectives. They are designed

to help you understand the purpose and scope of the assignment and can help

formulating discussion questions.

3. Become familiar with the relevant readings. They will help understand the

relationship between the theoretical concepts and practical issues being explored

in each exercise.

4. Engage with your group and ask questions. This will help ensure the entire class

can have a meaningful discussion at the end of each exercise and in future

seminars.

Handing in Your Work:

There are no deliverables for participation and in-class exercises. However, students

are strongly encouraged to participate in online discussions using the blackboard

discussion forums.

Assessment:

Participation will be assessed according to three criteria: attendance, expression, and

comprehension. A participation mark will be provided along with your final mark for the

course.

Attendance (10 points)

Your attendance will be recorded each week. It is very important that you ensure your

name is added to the attendance register each week. Illnesses must be supported by a

INFO 6800 Archives (Winter 2013) – Participation and In-Class Exercises | 4

physician’s note to be submitted to the MLIS Program Coordinator. See the course

syllabus for guidance on class attendance policies.

Expression (5 points)

This component assesses your ability to articulate comments and discussion questions

in class seminars and in-class exercises. This includes preparation, clarity, and your

ability to engage the class in a discussion. The quality of your comments and

discussion questions will be assessed in terms of their relevance to the topic and

potential for opening meaningful discussion.

Comprehension (5 points)

Evidence of your understanding of the major concepts addressed in each class will be

assessed. This will include your ability to provide an informed discussion of the

theoretical and practical issues under discussion and your ability to analyze and

interpret key points raised in the class discussions and in-class exercises.

Marks:

Marks will be provided in letter grades that conform to the School of Information

Management’s Grading System:

http://sim.management.dal.ca/Courses/Grading_System.php.

Please feel free to consult me if you have any questions about your participation mark.