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The Modern Archive Workshop: Text and Artefact (30 credits)

Key information

  • Module code:

    7AAEM773

  • Level:

    7

  • Credit value:

    30

Module description

This core module is designed to introduce you to the pleasures and perils of the archive, while also teaching you to think creatively and theoretically about the archive as a concept: about its historical development throughout the 19th and 20th centuries, its political and ideological components, and its uses for scholars and writers today. Concepts around the archive that students will be introduced to include: survival (accidental as well as planned); decay; incompleteness and gaps; hidden stories; silences; micro-histories versus macro-history; provenance; organisation; reading 'against the grain'; catalogues; literary responses to the archive. Half of the sessions on this module are taught outside of the classroom – in libraries and museums. These hands-on sessions are then used as the basis for theoretical and literary discussion in the seminar room.  

The module is taught by faculty working in and across nineteenth century and modernist topics who will introduce you to the different scholarly purposes archival material is put to. Assessment will be by a portfolio of 4 short responses to archival material you've encountered on the module, or you can choose a combination of 2 short responses and 1 longer research-based essay. The module is designed to help build research skills which are important when it comes to writing the dissertation (asking research questions; summarizing and abstracting research; building original arguments; responding to unexpected 'finds'; etc.). 

Department

Module description disclaimer

King’s College London reviews the modules offered on a regular basis to provide up-to-date, innovative and relevant programmes of study. Therefore, modules offered may change. We suggest you keep an eye on the course finder on our website for updates.

Please note that modules with a practical component will be capped due to educational requirements, which may mean that we cannot guarantee a place to all students who elect to study this module.

Please note that the module descriptions above are related to the current academic year and are subject to change.