course-details-portlet

DOK3001

Theory of science for archives and records management

Credits 7.5
Level Second degree level
Course start Autumn 2025
Duration 1 semester
Language of instruction Norwegian
Location Trondheim
Examination arrangement Home examination

About

About the course

Course content

This course gives a thorough understanding of the archives and records management discipline and the discipline's theory of science in a social science context, in international and Norwegian research traditions. Specifically, attention is directed towards the development of modern records management from the last half of the 20th Century until today. How we think of records has changed with the development of the welfare society, and the digitalization of public and private sector. At the same time has changes in the general theory of science and the scientific understanding affected archives and records management. The aim of this course is to highlight and discuss the different traditions within archival science. Central questions related to the development and exchange between countries and regions in terms of how we understand this area, and how and why this area can be understood in different ways. One important question that also is an important part of current research, is what defines the transfer from a "passive" record keeping approach to an "active" approach to records management.

Learning outcome

Knowledge

The student has:

  • has thorough knowledge about archival science theory and the deveolpment of such theory
  • advanced knowledge about the development of records management in a social and business context.

Skills

The student can:

  • give an account of important national and regional differences in the approach to records management

General competence

The student can:

  • discuss the role of archives and records management over time in relation to social science
  • explain how the development of and relationship between the theory and practice field of archives and records management cohere.

Learning methods and activities

Lectures, seminars and group work. This take place primarily digitally (in real time), but teaching and learning activities on campus may occur.

Compulsory activities/assignments

Oral group presentation in a seminar

Compulsory assignments

  • Oral group presentation

Further on evaluation

Compulsory activities/assignments

Oral group presentation in seminars, lasting approx. 20 minutes per group. The group consists of 2-3 students, and every student is expected to actively participate during the presentation. Topic for the assignment will be published after the course has started. If the presentation is carried out digitally, it is a prerequisite that the student participates with both camera and microphone during the entire seminar.

Compulsory activity is assessed as approved/not approved and must be approved for the student to take the exam. Compulsory activity must be approved in the term the course is taught. Students who have previously approved compulsory activity in this course, must contact the teacher responsible for the course at the start of the term to get an assessment as to whether the compulsory activity is still valid.

Examination

A three day home examination.

Course materials

The course reading list and course plan will be published on NTNU's digital learning platform (Blackboard) at the beginning of term. Minor changes to the list may occur during term. Students are obliged to keep informed and up-to-date on all information from teachers via the learning platform and NTNU e-mails.

Subject areas

  • Archival knowledge
  • Social Sciences

Contact information

Course coordinator

Department with academic responsibility

Department of Teacher Education

Examination

Examination

Examination arrangement: Home examination
Grade: Letter grades

Ordinary examination - Autumn 2025

Home examination
Weighting 100/100 Examination aids ALLE Date Release 2025-12-09
Submission 2025-12-12
Time Release 09:00
Submission 09:00
Duration 3 days Exam system Inspera Assessment

Re-sit examination - Spring 2026

Home examination
Weighting 100/100 Examination aids ALLE Duration 3 days Exam system Inspera Assessment