Using Primary Sources to Achieve Pedagogical Goals in Sociology and Political Science at the Brooklyn College Archives

Abstract

This article considers archival collections as a teaching tool by sociology and political science faculty at Brooklyn College, a senior college of the City University of New York known for its diverse student body and broad range of degree programs from liberal arts to business and science. Since 2012, the papers of a sociologist, an activist, campus student groups, and a boxing enthusiast have been utilized by faculty for their courses with varying goals and expectations. The author examines why classes were brought to the Archives, the pedagogical goals of the professors, what sorts of assignments came from the introduction to primary sources, and also discusses how successful class visits were created and the factors that were common to less successful uses of the archival resources. Next steps with respect to improving and expanding the use of the Archives by faculty are noted, as are the benefits to the students, faculty members and the Archives. The lessons learned by the archival staff are not unique to Brooklyn College and may be of interest to other college and university archives.