Historic Property Research and Documentation | Master Course Outlines | Academics

HIST199 Historic Property Research and Documentation

3 credits

2250

None

Students may be required to take an individual and/or group field trip.

The methodology of documenting historic sites will be studied and applied to local buildings and structures. Students utilize primary and secondary archival sources and on-site structural analysis to synthesize a property history, place it in historic context, and argue for its significance.

Course Learning Goals

Students will:
1. identify various programs of documentation and recognition of historic places;
2. analyze the frameworks, content, and/or standards of selected registration, survey, and/or documentation programs;
3. evaluate primary and secondary sources for their credibility, reliability, authority, and utility in understanding a given historical place, person, or event [Information Literacy];
4. utilize a chain of title developed from deeds, wills, and/or other documents to analyze continuity and change through time [Information Literacy];
5. create a property history by applying methods and skills associated with archival research, site analysis, drafting floor plans, gathering and capturing images, and composing architectural descriptions; and
6. synthesize a variety of forms of evidence into an argument for a property's historical significance [Critical Thinking].
Planned Sequence of Topics and/or Learning Activities

The following thematic topics will be incorporated into the course:
1. recognition and registers
2. survey and documentation programs at federal, state, and local levels
3. architecture: architectural character; evolution of types and styles; vernacular forms; and historic construction methods, materials, ornament
4. site investigation: the built environment as artifact
5. architectural analysis and description
6. archival research methods
7. documentation and recording techniques (including sketch plans, floor plans, architectural photography)
8. technology in documentation
9. historic context(s)
10. significance and writing a Statement of Significance
11. National Register of Historic Places: criteria of eligibility and integrity
12. historic districts and boundaries
13. layers of history: old places with new stories
Assessment Methods for Course Learning Goals

Attainment of course learning goals may be assessed by one or more of the following:
- Written assignments
- Discussion responses
- Quizzes
- Case study analyses
- Research-based reports
- Field experiences
Students build a nomination for a state or national register, developing appropriate documentation of a historic place and synthesizing archival research with on-site examination of the resource.
Reference, Resource, or Learning Materials to be used by Student:
See course syllabus.