Course Info: HACU-0279

What kinds of stories can we tell from archives? What stories do archives themselves tell? Cultural historians and cultural critics often rely on archives and special collections, which contain materials like letters, journals, manuscripts, organizational records, oral histories, photographs, periodicals, and ephemera. Creative writers, artists, and filmmakers can draw upon archives to shape their work as well. In this research- and writing-intensive seminar, students have the opportunity to develop independent projects in the humanities, arts, and cultural studies, using archival materials as the foundation for their work. During the first half of the semester, we visit local archives and special collections at Hampshire, Amherst, UMass, and Smith and develop critical and methodological tools for archival practice. The second half of the semester focuses on the process of developing a substantial independent research project in five stages: prospectus, annotated bibliography, detailed outline, draft, and revision. Peer review workshops are a key component of the course, complemented by library research sessions and instruction in effective argumentation. Students interested in creative final projects in writing, film and photography, comics, and other areas relevant to research in humanities and cultural studies are welcome, as well as students pursuing divisional work in literary studies, film and visual culture, and related areas. While students need not have previous background in archival research, they should have a working knowledge of the field in which they will conduct independent research.