Fragmented selves: Introducing students to archival research and historical representations

This multipart activity introduces students to archival research and the questions of historical representations, "accuracy," and social media. Consisting of the creation of a personal archive (in the form of either one of their social media profiles or a curated collection of photos) and two short papers, this unit-long activity acts as an effective avenue to explore complex historiographical topics and to develop critical thinking and analysis skills. Variations of this activity would be well-suited for courses in rhetoric, media studies, cultural studies, or broader research methods courses. Courses: This unit-long activity is suited to any courses in which students engage with archives or critique representation, including courses in rhetoric, media studies, cultural studies, or research methods. Objectives: Students will be able to: (1) understand and enact foundational archival and historiographical research practices; (2) critically engage with their peers' social media presence, as well as their own; (3) articulate complexities of representation; and (4) recognize their own experience, self, and artifacts as relevant and meaningful sources of knowledge.