Historical Studies

GIOVANNI MICHETTI
GIOVANNI MICHETTI

The course aims to provide knowledge and understanding of the methodological, critical and applicable aspects of the Discipline; it proposes geographical areas and sectorial perspectives in which related projects are activated; it shows the variability of fields of interest; it enables the student to master the specific topics in order to use them and apply them in other fields of study while using the correct specific language. With the acquired knowledge the student will be able to develop autonomous ability of connections with other disciplines in the various historical epochs and cultural contexts.

The course aims at developing the cognitive and methodological tools needed to deal with records management.

Knowledge and understanding
The course provides knowledge on creation and management of active and semi-active records. In particular, the course provides basic knowledge needed for designing and maintaining a records management system, focusing on the following topics:
• registration
• classification
• filing
• management of records flow
• appraisal and selection
• methodological and operational tools for records management.

These topics are investigated and illustrated not only in light of the principles and methods developed by the scientific and professional community, but also considering the relevant laws and standards, so as to develop the ability to understand the documentary phenomenon being aware of the relationships among the documentary objects, the history and activity of the producer, and the legislative and regulatory framework.

Applying knowledge and understanding
The course provides the ability to apply the knowledge needed to manage active and semi-active records. In particular, the detailed analysis of the relevant laws and standards is aimed at promoting the capacity for operational intervention in a real, practical context. Based on the knowledge learned during the course, students will be able (at the basic level) to:
• analyze the functional profile of a records system
• evaluate the consistency of a records system with the legislative and regulatory framework
• actively participate in records management activities
• understand any future evolution of the regulatory framework and the records management model developed by the Italian legislator.

Making judgments
The course allows students to develop their own independent judgment in relation to records management thanks to the direct comparison with the instructor and possibly with experts in the records management area. The critical reading, analysis and discussion of diverse sources – including scientific literature, legislation and international standards – is aimed at encouraging students to deal with complexity and promoting the formation of autonomous judgments even if – and especially when – the evaluation elements are varied and inconsistent. Based on the knowledge learned during the course, students will be able (at the basic level) to:
• identify the critical issues of a records management system and/or strategy
• formulate their own assessment on specific aspects of a records management system and/or strategy
• compare real cases with the national and international theoretical models.

Communication skills
The development of communication skills is stimulated through classroom discussion and possibly through participation in seminars, in order to stimulate students’ ability to communicate effectively and deal with the dialectical confrontation with confidence.

Learning skills
The course promotes the development of self-learning skills by drawing on various documentary sources (manuals, national legislation, technical standards, guidelines, formal models, etc.), both in Italian and in English, hence stimulating the students' capacity to adapt to diverse cultural contexts. The study of the fundamental concepts related to records management and the attention to the methodological aspect allow the student to face with confidence a subsequent study of the subject in post-master courses.

Basics of Archival Science.

The course investigates and illustrates the concepts, principles and tools of records management, providing the knowledge needed to understand the processes of creation and management of active and semi-active records. In particular, the course deals with the following topics: registration, classification, filing; management of records flow; appraisal and selection; methodological and operational tools for records management. These topics are investigated and illustrated not only in the light of the principles and methods developed by the scientific and professional community, but also considering the relevant laws and standards, so as to develop the ability to understand the documentary phenomenon being aware of the relationships among the documentary objects, the history of the creator, and the legislative and regulatory framework.

The list of the required readings is identical, with possible minimal variations, to the list provided for the academic year 2023/2024, available on Moodle (https://elearning.uniroma1.it/). The definitive list is provided after the start of the course.

Some lessons may take place online.

Attendance is not mandatory, but it is highly recommended, from the very first day of class.

The assessment of the learning outcomes is carried out through a mandatory oral exam. To pass the exam students must obtain a grade of not less than 18/30. This vote indicates that the student has demonstrated that s/he has acquired just enough knowledge of all the course topics. To achieve a grade of 30/30 cum laude, the student must demonstrate that s/he has acquired excellent knowledge of all the topics covered during the course, is able to link them in a logical and coherent way, and knows how to interpret such topics with critical spirit.