Ateneo - UPO

Course Title: Fundamentals of Archival Science
The course introduces the theoretical and methodological principles of archival science, examining the nature of the archive as an organic complex of records, the concept of the archival bond, and the role of archives in preserving memory, supporting historical research, ensuring administrative transparency, and promoting cultural heritage. It will cover the fundamentals of archival arrangement and description, the organization of the Italian archival system, and the main types of archives (public, private, ecclesiastical, business, and personal archives). The course will also address records management processes, permanent preservation, and the transformations brought about by digitization and electronic records. In addition, the course includes the analysis of case studies and the use of the main archival research tools.

Attending students:

General texts:
• Paola Carucci, Le fonti archivistiche: ordinamento e conservazione, Rome, Carocci, 2002, pp. 11–15, 19–24, 39–54 (§§ 1.1, 2, 4–5) – available on the course platform
• A. Romiti, Archivistica generale. Primi elementi, Lucca, Civita Editoriale, 2009

Articles and essays:
• G. Cencetti, Scritti archivistici, Rome, Il centro di ricerca editore, 1970, pp. 38–69 – available on the course platform
• C. Pavone, «Ma è poi tanto pacifico che l’archivio rispecchi l’istituto?», Rassegna degli Archivi di Stato, 30 (1970), pp. 145–149 – available on the course platform

Non-attending students:

For students who do not attend classes, in addition to the texts listed above as compulsory reading for attending students, preparation of three additional texts is required. These texts are to be agreed upon with the instructor in preparation for the examination.

The course aims to provide students with the fundamental theoretical and methodological knowledge of archival science, introducing them to the principles governing the creation, organization, preservation, description, and enhancement of archives, with particular reference to records produced by public bodies, institutions, businesses, and individuals.
By the end of the course, students will be able to understand the concept of the archive in its different meanings, reconstruct the process of its formation, distinguish between the main types of archives, and place archives within the broader context of national and international cultural heritage. The course also aims to provide students with the essential tools to interpret the archival bond, identify the main stages of the records life cycle, understand the functions of appraisal and permanent preservation, and become familiar with descriptive standards and the principal research tools.
The course further aims to develop students’ ability to critically examine a body of archival records, use the discipline’s specialized terminology appropriately, and understand the role of archival science in the protection, historical research, and enhancement of cultural heritage.
These objectives will be pursued through lectures, case-study analysis, guided reading of archival sources, and practical exercises involving descriptive and research tools, in accordance with the educational profile of the Master’s Degree Programme in Modern, Classic And Comparative Philology.
Basic level (minimum objective for passing): The student is expected to acquire knowledge of the fundamentals of archival science, understand the concepts of archive, archival record, records creator, and archival bond, and be familiar with the main stages in the formation and management of archives, the fundamental principles of archival arrangement and description, and the essential characteristics of the Italian archival system. The student should also be able to use basic archival research tools and apply the knowledge acquired to the analysis of simple cases and archival collections.
Advanced level (objective for higher grades): At a more advanced level, the student is expected to develop an in-depth understanding of the main theoretical and methodological issues of the discipline, to be able to independently analyze archival collections and research tools, to relate archival principles to historical and institutional contexts and to practices of archival arrangement and description, and to critically discuss issues relating to the appraisal, preservation, digitization, and enhancement of archives.
In relation to the 6 ECTS credits of the course, the teaching workload is structured as follows: 2 ECTS credits of delivered teaching (DE), 1 ECTS credit of interactive teaching (DI), and 3 ECTS credits of self-study. No distance-delivered teaching (TEL-DE) or distance-interactive teaching (TEL-DI) activities are planned.

No specific prior knowledge of archival science is required. However, students are expected to have a good undergraduate-level background in history and the humanities, with particular reference to medieval, modern, and contemporary history, as well as to the main tools of historical research. Students are also expected to be able to read and understand scholarly texts and historical documents, together with a basic knowledge of Italian cultural heritage and bibliographic research methodologies.

The course is delivered through lectures supplemented by guided discussion, analysis of archival documents, practical exercises on the use of research tools, and the presentation of case studies. During the course, digital resources and national archival information systems will be introduced. Where possible, meetings with professionals in the field and educational visits to archival institutions will also be organized. Active participation by students will be encouraged through opportunities for discussion, short practical exercises, and activities involving the critical analysis of archival documentation.

Students with physical disabilities, Learning Disabilities or Special Education Needs can request specific services and tools via the Staff Sviluppo e Coordinamento Carriere e Servizi alle Studentesse e agli Studenti, consulting the University webpage: https://www.uniupo.it/en/services/services-students-physical-or-learning-disabilities
Students with disabilities, learning disabilities or special education needs, once they have contacted the University Staff, can refer to the tutor in charge of the course to define the examination modalities, concerning academic aspects.

The exam will be conducted orally and will be aimed at assessing the achievement of the learning outcomes established for the course.
The exam will focus on the following areas:
1. Assessment of knowledge and understanding of the main topics covered during the course, with particular reference to the theoretical foundations of archival science, archival records, the archival bond, types of archives, the Italian archival system, the principles of archival arrangement and description, and the main research tools.
Sample question: “What is meant by the archival bond and what function does it serve in the organization of an archive?” or “What are the main differences between current, semi-current, and historical archives?”
2. Assessment of the ability to apply acquired knowledge, through the analysis and contextualization of concrete cases, research tools, or archival collections. Students will be assessed on their ability to identify the creator of the records, reconstruct the context in which the documentation was produced, and identify the criteria used for its arrangement and description.
Sample question: “How would you proceed in analyzing an archival collection of a local authority?” or “What information can be obtained from an archival inventory, and how should it be interpreted?”
3. Assessment of independent judgment, through critical discussion of topics addressed during the course, the main positions within the discipline, and issues related to the protection, preservation, digitization, and enhancement of archives.
Sample question: “What opportunities and challenges does the preservation of digital archives present?” or “What are the main issues involved in the appraisal and disposal of archival records?”
4. Assessment of communication skills, focusing on the ability to use archival terminology correctly, present the acquired knowledge clearly and rigorously, and summarize complex issues while highlighting their essential aspects.
During the examination, students may be asked to comment on research tools (inventories, guides, and lists of holdings), read reproductions of documents or classification schemes, and discuss case studies examined during the course.
The examination will include at least three questions; the number may vary where necessary to explore certain aspects in greater depth and ensure a comprehensive assessment of the knowledge, skills, and critical abilities acquired.
The final grade is expressed on a scale of 30 and will be determined according to the following criteria:
• 18-22/30: essential knowledge of the main concepts and topics covered in the course, understanding of the fundamentals of archival science, sufficient command of the discipline’s terminology, and the ability to present the topics clearly.
• 23-26/30: good knowledge and understanding of the topics covered, ability to apply the acquired knowledge to the analysis and interpretation of records, archival collections, and research tools, appropriate historical and institutional contextualization, and an adequate degree of independence in establishing connections between the different topics addressed in the course.
• 27-30/30: in-depth and comprehensive knowledge of the topics covered, full ability to critically analyse archival collections and research tools, independence in interpreting the main methodological issues of the discipline, ability to establish relevant connections, including interdisciplinary ones, and full command of the discipline’s technical and scientific terminology.
• 30 cum laude: in addition to the requirements for the 27–30/30 range, particularly independent and rigorous critical thinking, ability to critically discuss different methodological approaches, and ability to develop original and relevant interdisciplinary connections.

The course will address the main themes and methods of archival science, with particular attention to the nature of the archive and the archival record, the concept of the archival bond, the formation and organization of archival collections, the principles of archival arrangement and description, the management and preservation of archives, and their relationship with historical research and cultural heritage. The main characteristics of digital archives and the issues related to the management and preservation of electronic records will also be introduced. The presentation of these topics will be accompanied by the analysis of examples and case studies and by an introduction to the main archival research tools.
• Teaching unit 1: Introduction to archival science. Definitions and fundamental concepts; archive, record, and fonds; the records creator and the archival bond; differences between archives, libraries, and collections.
• Teaching unit 2: The formation and accumulation of archives. The process of archive formation; the different stages of the records life cycle; current, semi-current, and historical archives; management and organization of records.
• Teaching unit 3: Archival arrangement. The principle of provenance; the historical method; the structure and organization of archival collections; fonds, series, sub-series, archival units, and document units.
• Teaching unit 4: Archival description and research tools. Principles and purposes of archival description; guides, surveys, lists, inventories, and other research tools; introduction to archival descriptive standards and information systems for research.
• Teaching unit 5: Archives within the cultural heritage protection system. The Italian archival system; public and private archives; protection, preservation, and enhancement; access to and consultation of archival records; archives as sources for historical research and the study of cultural heritage.
• Teaching unit 6: Appraisal, preservation, and records management. Appraisal and disposal; permanent preservation; main issues concerning the physical preservation of records; records management and the creation of files; an introduction to the legal and administrative aspects of archive management.
• Teaching unit 7: Digital archives. Electronic records and digital documentation; creation, management, and preservation of digital records; main challenges of long-term preservation; records management systems and digital tools for access and research.
• Teaching unit 8: Archives and cultural heritage. Archives as cultural heritage; knowledge, protection, and enhancement; the relationship between archival science, history, and heritage studies; analysis of case studies and use of digital archival resources.

In order to achieve the knowledge, competences, and skills corresponding to the required basic level, students must demonstrate at least that they:
• (Knowledge and understanding): have acquired fundamental knowledge of the history, theoretical principles, and methodology of archival science, with particular reference to the concept of the archive, the archival bond, the formation and organization of archives, the main types of archives, the processes of archival arrangement and description, and the Italian archival system;
• (Ability to apply knowledge and understanding): are able to recognize and describe, on the basis of examples and documentation presented during the course and in the examination, the main characteristics of an archival collection, identifying its creator, nature, and principal documentary relationships; and are able to use basic archival research tools to identify relevant sources for a research project;
• (Autonomy of judgment): are able to discuss the main methodological issues addressed during the course, understanding the reasons underlying the different solutions adopted for the arrangement, description, appraisal, and preservation of records, and recognizing their assumptions, potential, and limitations;
• (Communication skills): are able to present relevant observations concerning archives, records, and the main archival issues in a clear and coherent manner, using the appropriate disciplinary terminology;
• (Learning skills): are able to use the methodological tools provided during the lectures and make effective use of the teaching materials, examination bibliography, and main digital archival resources to identify the key thematic areas and navigate research independently.
For the achievement of a more advanced level, students must demonstrate that they:
• (Knowledge and understanding): have an in-depth knowledge of the topics covered during the course, understanding the main historical and methodological developments in archival science and the issues related to the formation, organization, description, preservation, and enhancement of archives;
• (Ability to apply knowledge and understanding): are able to independently analyze an archival collection or research tool, placing it within its relevant historical and institutional context, recognizing its characteristics and specific features, and establishing connections between the different aspects addressed during the course and in the bibliography;
• (Autonomy of judgment): are able to critically discuss the main methodological issues and the different positions presented, demonstrating an understanding of their implications for the interpretation, arrangement, description, and preservation of archives;
• (Communication skills): are able to organize their presentation of the topic under discussion coherently and systematically, identifying its most relevant aspects, establishing pertinent connections, and using appropriate archival terminology, including specialized terminology;
• (Learning skills): are able to independently establish connections between theoretical principles, case studies, and archival tools, critically use the available bibliography and digital resources, and independently pursue further in-depth study of archival topics of interest.
These learning outcomes are consistent with the educational objectives of the Degree Programme and with the learning outcomes established for the Cultural Heritage area.