LFU:online

Reflecting the aims of historical research, deepening theoretical knowledge, especially concerning the role of time, understanding of actual and methodical discussions (and their historical development) as well as their application on empirical studies.

How do we describe time? Usually we use models which think time in a gradual line from the past along the present to the future. Looking into sources as well as at our own perception and doing, however, shows that the past as well as the future is permanently thought of in the present. Achim Landwehr speaks of chronoferences in this regard - to show, how people refer and thereover construct different pasts and futures all the time. Michel Serres called this permanent touching of different times "a folded and crinkled handkerchief".

In this course, we will deal with different theoretical approaches concerning time and the discussed temporal turn in historical research. Moreover, we want to "earthen" these theories by asking about their application in empirical research - as for example the forming in time by calenders or the perception of time in diaries.

Reading and discussing of theoretical texts concerning the phenomenon of time, application of these models an empirical studies.

Reading and discussing of theoretical texts, preparing and leading a discussion of one theoretcial approach, finding and presenting empirical examples as well as a written essay, in which two theoretical texts are to be compared and focussed on a practical application of about ten pages.

Basic literature will be announced at the beginning of the course, to find more and special literature is part of the course's task.

Positive assessment of compulsory module 1