The Prince Albert Society was founded to further research and understanding of the history of relations between Germany and Britain, with particular reference to the links with Coburg in the nineteenth century. In connection with the Society’s 31st annual conference on 6-8 September (on German travellers to England 1550-1900), it has organised an annual workshop to support the development of newer scholars who are active in this field.
This year’s Prince Albert Summer Workshop is an opportunity for students who are beginning advanced study in history to develop their research skills. It will focus on the use of archives and primary sources, and will guide students through a mini research project in German-British history.
The workshop will:
- introduce participants to the archival landscape in both Britain and Germany;
- raise theoretical concepts which underpin the organisation of archives and which can help the historical researcher make effective use of them;
- link theory to practice in the form of the mini-project;
- allow students to develop their new skills in a practical context;
- give students ‘hands on’ experience of using a variety of finding aids and source material of different kinds;
- develop source handling and palaeographic skills;
- offer a look behind the scenes at the State Archive in Coburg;
- be mainly in English.
Led by historian Oliver Walton and archivist Horst Gehringer who have experience of studying and teaching in both British and German universities, the workshop will be a collaborative and constructive forum for discussion, and for practising all the techniques within the workshop.
Workshop participants are also invited to attend the Prince Albert Society Conference, which begins on the afternoon of 6 September. This, and the two evening dinners, will give students the chance to hear presentations, as well as meeting both British and German academics.
The workshop benefits from the generous support of the Prince Albert Society and its sponsors, including the city of Coburg and the Coburg State Archives. As a result the Society will subsidise the workshop, and this will cover:
- the workshop itself, for which there will be no charge;
- accommodation for four nights (4, 5, 6, and 7 September), which will allow you to attend the Prince Albert Society’s annual conference;
- the dinners for the conference on 6 and 7 September.
Participants will need to meet their own travel costs as well as other meals and sundry expenses.
There are 12 places available, which will be allocated on a ‘first come, first served’ basis. Applications should reach the society (prinzalbertworkshop@yahoo.co.uk) by email by 20 August 2012. Please state:
- your area of interest (period and topic);
- your university, degree programme and semester of study;
- the nights for which you require accommodation;
- whether you wish to attend the conference dinners.