Program Overview

Experiential Learning and Digital Approaches to Public Medieval History

Course Overview

The Experiential Learning and Digital Approaches to Public Medieval History course, coded as HIST*3560, is offered in the Fall 2021 term. The course instructor is Sierra Dye.

Method of Delivery

This class is planned for primarily face-to-face sessions on campus, Fridays 8:30am-11:20am. Periodic virtual meetings will also be held over Zoom to facilitate virtual-skill building as part of "experiential learning." Students will also participate and present at a public, virtual conference and website launch on November 6.

Course Synopsis

In this course, students will explore how history can be presented to the public through engaging and accessible technology. Utilizing the University of Guelph's valuable collection of medieval Scottish land charters (c. 13th-16th centuries), students will design, write, and create public digital exhibits about the charters using Omeka. Collaborative work will also produce virtual group projects, such as film and/or mapping projects, to highlight the strengths of the collection. Over the semester, students will develop skills relating to the creation and presentation of medieval history, public history, the Digital Humanities, digital archive creation and curation, exhibit planning, public presentation and performance, and more.

Learning Outcomes

By the end of this course, students should be able to:

• Identify and explore the use and history of medieval primary sources through in-person and online discussions.
• Develop research and writing skills by presenting a medieval history topic to the general public.
• Gain experience in exhibit design and digital curation by creating a digital exhibit in Omeka.
• Utilize digital tools and technology, such as WeVideo or Neatline, and work collaboratively as part of a team to design and produce a virtual project.
• Practice and develop oral communication and public-speaking skills by presenting work to the class and at a public, virtual conference.
• Engage in productive group feedback through peer-review and presentation feedback sessions.
• Consider and reflect on the historical and project design skills developed in this course and how they may be of use in the future.

Prerequisites

Students must have completed 7.50 credits prior to taking this course.

Methods of Evaluation and Weights

• Discussion and Participation: 25%
• Digital Exhibit & Presentation: 30%
• Group Project: 30%
• Course Progress and Reflection: 15%

Texts and/or Resources Required

There is no textbook for this course. Electronic copies of readings and other activities will be provided on Courselink and/or ARES. Access to the internet and a webcam is required for this course.

Departments and Schools

The course is associated with the following departments and schools:

• School of Theatre, English, and Creative Writing
• School of Fine Art and Music
• School of Languages and Literatures
• Department of History
• Department of Philosophy
• Interdisciplinary Programs

Centres, Institutes and Labs

The course may involve collaboration with or resources from:

• Centre for Scottish Studies
• Grounded and Engaged Theory Lab (GET)
• Interdisciplinary Design Lab
• The International Institute for Critical Studies in Improvisation
• The Humanities Interdisciplinary Collaboration Lab (THINC)
• The School of Fine Art & Music Print Study Collection