Syllabus

M01 Sources and data

This module explores the challenges and opportunities associated with the use of historical sources in the digital context. Digitisation has transformed the way historians access sources, with many physical documents now accessible online and the emergence of new types of digital content. This module examines the implications of this transformation, highlighting the issues linked to new practices of consulting online sources and so-called “digital native” sources. Students are made aware of the advantages and limitations with regard to digital preservation, and develop a critical understanding of the platforms and tools available online for contemporary history research. To familiarise themselves specifically with these issues, students work on the history of pollution and its regulation using different sources and online databases (Swissvote, IndustryDocumentsLibrary, Letempsarchives, digitisation orders from the Swiss Federal Archives, etc.). They then compare these practices with more traditional methods of on site archival research.

M02 Information systems

This module focuses on the requirement for careful critical thinking when creating historical databases. It highlights the importance of upstream planning, the strategic choice of tools and precise definition of database objectives. By highlighting the importance of organising data according to research questions and conceptual and categorisation issues, this module prepares students for the use of information systems in the context of historical research.

M03 Analysis

This module provides students with the advanced skills required to meaningfully exploit a historical database. With an emphasis on the use of specialist computing tools, students learn to interpret data critically, opening up new avenues of research and understanding the past. Students explore the issues, limits and potential synergies of quantitative and qualitative analysis.

M04 Visualisation

This module equips students with the essential skills to present their research findings in an impactful and appropriate manner. The way data is visualised can influence the understanding and appreciation of the past. With an emphasis on the use of computer tools, this module explores the requirement for outreach and public history, encouraging students to communicate their findings effectively to different audiences.

M05-x Optional modules

These modules offer students flexibility and autonomy in exploring digital themes / tools that match their interests.

The following modules will be available from autumn semester 2024:

• M05-1 : Introduction à la presse numérisée (French)
• M05-2 : Digitale Geschichte und Geschichte des Digitalen (German)

The following modules will be available from spring semester 2025:

• M05-3 : Opening history : introduction to open science and open tools for historians (English)
• M05-4: Audiovisuelle Quellen aus Medienarchive für die historische Forschung und Darstellung (German)

The Kaïros learning platform provides students with a wide range of modules from which they can chose. Each module focuses on specific digital skills and thematic areas relevant to digital history. The validation of the modules (four max) occurs at the end of the semester and the evaluation may take different forms: written work, reading sheets, oral presentation, multiple choice questions, etc.

M06 Scientific event

With this module, students directly engage with the professional reality of academic, cultural, heritage or media environments. Scientific events may take various forms, ranging from excursions to Swiss or foreign research centres and institutions lasting several days, to the organisation of conference cycles as well as the participation to block seminars, workshops or summer schools at partner institutions.

Students are encouraged to participate actively in these events, interact with professionals from various fields, and apply their historical skills. Writing a final report, validated by the person in charge of the event, enables students to consolidate their knowledge and deepen their understanding of the roles of the historian in various professional contexts.

M07 Internship in an institution

The objective of this module is to enable students who wish to do so to put their skills into practice in a professional environment while actively contributing to the advancement of a digital research project. Equivalent to 50% for 2 months, the internship involves students in a specific project carried out by a cultural or heritage institution (research centre, library, museum, etc.). The internship is supervised by the reference person of the institution and by the coordinator for the course. It is validated by a final report.

M08 Colloquium and Writing the master’s thesis

In this module, students are committed to write their master’s thesis. Although official validation occurs at the end of the master programme, students are encouraged to reflect on their subject, their sources, their approach, and their methodology from the first modules on, in order to have the time required to develop their research in depth. Students are monitored by a supervisor who help them structure and conduct their master’s original research. The research colloquium is an obligatory intermediate step in which the students present their research findings to the other students and the various supervisors.

M09 Defense and dissemination of the master's thesis

The aim of this module is to assess students' knowledge transfer skills. Once the writing is completed, students defend their master dissertation, demonstrating a thorough understanding of the topic and its implications. They then promote the results of their work online, using one of the digital tools they practiced during their study programme. This may take the form of interactive visualisations, explanatory video clips, podcasts or other digital media. This step does not only develop technical skills, but also the ability to effectively communicate research results to the public.

Séance d'information pour le Master en Histoire
Infoveranstaltung Master in Geschichte