by Lauren Kata and Suphan Kirmizialtin
At New York University Abu Dhabi (NYUAD), archivist librarians in the Library’s Archives and Special Collections department have had the opportunity to teach primary source literacy while supporting a number of undergraduate courses, specifically, the undergraduate Digital Humanities course “The Digital Archive.” In this case study, the course’s professor Suphan Kirmizialtin and University Archivist Lauren Kata reflect on five distinct iterations of an embedded class visit, examining adjustments made over time to enhance student learning experiences. Each iteration, spanning from Spring 2022 to Fall 2023, reflects a continual process of refinement and adaptation to meet the evolving needs and expectations of students as well as several primary source literacy objectives. From virtual sessions during pandemic restrictions to in-person visits, improvements in pedagogical approaches are explored, including the introduction of a “You’re The Archivist” active engagement exercise. The case study emphasizes adaptability and hands-on learning for a deeper understanding of archival work and its broader societal implications.
Access: One Class Five Ways