Syllabus
Palaeography.
Diplomatics.
Codicology.
Heraldry.
Genealogy.
Historical chronology.
Historical metrology.
Sigillography.
Numismatics.
Minor or secondary auxiliary sciences (epigraphy, vexillology, etc.).
Iconography
Visit(s) to the archives.
Annotation
The course builds upon the Introduction to History Study I course by focusing on the field of auxiliary sciences of history and the ways these are employed in historical research. This is accompanied by in-class close reading of palaeographically relevant samples taken from primary sources.
Both internal and external source criticism is applied during the seminar, including the assessment of the provenance and supposed date of origin of the various texts, images or pieces of heraldry. Considerable effort is put into the step-by-step work on the students’ seminar papers which serve as a means to illustrate proper research and referencing methods and the ways the chosen topic is handled and processed.
The course has students visit specific research institutions such as the archives, libraries, etc.