Course: Historical chronology and metrology

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Course title Historical chronology and metrology
Course code KAPV/KBA36
Organizational form of instruction Lecture + Seminary
Level of course Bachelor
Year of study not specified
Semester Winter
Number of ECTS credits 3
Language of instruction Czech
Status of course Compulsory
Form of instruction Face-to-face
Work placements This is not an internship
Recommended optional programme components None
Lecturer(s)
  • Velička Tomáš, doc. Mgr. Ph.D.
Course content
1. Variants of time measurement in the past 2. Technical methods of time measurement 3. Data conversion 4. Development of weights and measures in the Czech lands, conversion

Learning activities and teaching methods
unspecified, unspecified, unspecified
Learning outcomes
The first part of the course consists of an explanation of historical chronology. Unlike mathematical (astronomical) chronology, which deals with the creation of objective units of time measurement, historical chronology examines the methods of measuring time and their development among different nations, or rather in individual cultural circles in the past. It will therefore provide a basic explanation of how individual chronological categories and the calendars compiled on their basis were formed in the European area (within the so-called Latin civilization) in the course of historical development. The course also includes instructed and then independent conversion of time data expressed in calendars other than the current one. In the section on historical metrology, students will learn about the general development of the metric system and its development in the Czech lands. Attention is paid to the efforts to unify weights and measures in the Czech kingdom dating back to the 16th century. The factual knowledge acquired must be accompanied by an understanding of the connection between changes in metrological systems and the economic and technical development of society. The course also includes instructed and then independent conversion of the relevant weights and measures with the aim of acquiring this skill.
Students are able to explain the basics and scope of historical chronology and metrology, as well as their significance for working with archival sources. They have a theoretical and practical understanding of the Roman and Christian calendar systems and are able to convert time expressions into the current calendar. Students are able to characterize the development of weights and measures in the past, as well as convert them to current SI units.
Prerequisites
None.

Assessment methods and criteria
unspecified
The certification will take the form of a written test, which will verify both theoretical knowledge of historical chronology and metrology, as well as practical skills in converting historical data to today's dating methods (or converting historical measures and weights to current SI units).
Recommended literature
  • Gustav HOFMANN. Metrologická příručka. Sušice-Plzeň, 1984.
  • Ivan HLAVÁČEK. Historická chronologie, in: Ivan HLAVÁČEK, Jaroslav KAŠPAR, Rostislav NOVÝ, Vademecum pomocných věd historických. Praha, 2015.
  • Marie BLÁHOVÁ. Historická chronologie. Praha, 2001.
  • Rostislav NOVÝ. Historická metrologie, in: Ivan Hlaváček ? Jaroslav Kašpar ? Rostislav Nový, Vademecum pomocných věd historických, s. 129?147.. Praha, 2002.


Study plans that include the course
Faculty Study plan (Version) Category of Branch/Specialization Recommended year of study Recommended semester