Archival science and auxiliary historical sciences belong to the historical sciences. The course first familiarizes the students with Memory Institutions as sources of specific information (archives, National Archives, special archives, museums, libraries, National Heritage Institutes) in Czechia and abroad, followed by a brief introduction about the development of the care of written and unwritten sources from the oldest times to the present.

The students will learn where and how to search for the sources, how the primary and secondary sources differ, and what methods should be used. Types and groups of sources, principles of their criticism and accessibility (archival aids, editions of sources) will be examined.

At the end of the course, students will be introduced to auxiliary historical sciences that help or are even indispensable for research of older, but also newer written sources. The course will be supplemented by visits to selected archives and other Memory Institutions. A special focus will be on archival sources on international politics and diplomacy.