There are surely good reasons to reflect on the methods of history of education, that is the tools, techniques, and approaches appropriate for historians of education. In the changing field of educational research, which include quantitative methods as well as those based on interviews and observations, there is a need to clarify the methods of historians of education. This challenge has also been posed within the discipline of history. Paula Fass – the distinguished scholar of the history of childhood – has complained of a lack or rigour in historical research, marked by “a profusion of styles and methods that seem to obey no rules but the unique bypaths of the individual historian’s mind”.
In this summer school, we will reflect on the main choices historians faces when studying various phenomena throughout the research process. These include the choices made when selecting source materials, the questions chosen when critically examine the value of the source materials (so-called source criticism), the analytical approach (e.g., discourse analysis) and the steps taken when exploring, collecting and analyzing historical source materials.
Course leader
Johannes Westberg, Faculty of Behavioural and Social Sciences
Chelsea Rodriguez, Faculty of Behavioural and Social Sciences
Target group
This summer school is designed for PhD- and MA-students with an expertise in history of education.
The participants are expected to be working on a project in the field of history of education. We expect the participants to have a sufficient command of the English language to actively participate in the discussions and to present their own work in English.
Course aim
Learning outcomes:
- Knowledge of the range of methodological approaches relevant when studying historical phenomena.
- Grasp the complexities of using historical source materials when answering research questions.
- Ability to discuss the choice of source materials and time period.
- Clearly communicate historical research to non-specialists.
Credits info
2.5 EC
Upon successful completion of the programme, the Summer School offers a Certificate of Attendance that mentions the workload of 69 hours (28 hours corresponds to 1 ECTS). Students can apply for recognition of these credits to the relevant authorities in their home institutions, therefore the final decision on awarding credits is at the discretion of their home institutions. We will be happy to provide any necessary information that might be requested in addition to the certificate of attendance.
Fee info
EUR 200: Standard participation fee
EUR 0: Free participation for students from the universities of Groningen, Uppsala, South-Eastern Norway, and KU Leuven
For further information, please click the "LINK TO ORIGINAL" button below.