Using Method and Theory to Approach Archival Research
Date:
23/05/2017
Organised by:
University of East Anglia
Presenter:
Dr Tola Amodu
Level:
Entry (no or almost no prior knowledge)
Contact:
Bookings can be made by e-mailing SSF.AdvancedTraining@uea.ac.uk. Academic/content enquiries should be addressed to simon.d.watts@uea.ac.uk (01603 591295).
Description:
Archival research is one useful way to approach understanding the substantive law. “Doing archival research”, however requires an appreciation of not just the mechanics of approaching archival materials but a more general take on theory and methods. Understanding the origins of legal doctrine is essential to appreciating both the current law (whether statutory and common law) and future law reform. We can often encounter difficulty adopting strategies that offer little more than a snapshot of the origins of specific concepts when making a basic trawl of Hansard or the Case Digest. This workshop will enable those attending to consider what additional sources might be available to help in understanding the origins of particular elements of the substantive law whether public or private. It will focus on addressing the following broad concerns: (1) Working with theory; (2) The role of methodology; (3) The meaning of ‘archival research’; (4) How to locate useful resources; (5) Arranging access; (6) Things to consider when you find relevant materials; (7) How you might integrate an archival approach into your own research; and (8) The merits of adopting an archival approach. This workshop is aimed particularly at PGR students (both lawyers and those studying across the social sciences and humanities) who are interested in situating their research in the wider historical context or, perhaps, those who are slightly intimidated by the prospect of doing empirical research. As an interactive workshop those attending are invited to consider how historical approaches might give added value to their research and also the problems associated with the legal historical tradition. Those who are already adopting this approach will be encouraged to share their observations with the group as a whole.
Cost:
PGR students from Universities of East Anglia; Essex; Kent; Surrey; Sussex; Reading; Royal Holloway; Goldsmiths; Roehampton; & City University = FREE; PGR students from all other institutions = £30; Early-career researchers/academics = £60
Website and registration:
Region:
East of England
Keywords:
Interdisciplinary and Multidisciplinary Research, Archival research
Related publications and presentations:
Interdisciplinary and Multidisciplinary Research