2010 Drakeapedia Class Syllabus
Fall 2010 FYS 022 –Drakepedia - Building a Living Archive Revised 8/18/10
Instructors:
| Susan Breakenridge | Claudia Frazer |
| [[1]] | [[2]] |
| 515-271-3994 | 515-271-3776 |
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Course Description:
Which Drake building was bombed by terrorists in the 70’s? What returning Drake student booked a ticket on an ill-fated ocean liner called the Titanic? This seminar engages students in conducting basic historical research of and for Drake University. The class will work as a group to create Drakepedia, which will live on as a permanent and public resource. Students will uncover long-forgotten stories as they navigate the fundamental issues of historical research and writing, conduct oral histories, and explore Drake’s Special Collections and the University Archives. This course would appeal to students with interests in creating wikis, online communities and collaborations, and students considering any major in the humanities as well as journalism, technology, law and education.
Course Objectives:
- Learning to read and evaluate historic documents
- Learning to write in different styles for appropriate audiences (academic, wikis, blogs, etc.)
- Learning to prepare, conduct, and process oral histories
- Learning how to use web-editing software, Wikispaces
- Understanding the process of historical research, preservation and archiving
- Working collaboratively on a group project which ultimately becomes part of the Drake Archives
- Understanding legal and copyright issues when researching, writing and publishing
Course Outcomes:
Class Rules: Students are welcome and encouraged to share their thoughts, opinions and experiences in a thoughtful and professional manner. No cell phones calls allowed during class – SHUT THEM OFF!!!