欧洲城乡史研究方法三题

Some Research Methods to the Urban and Rural History in Europe

研究欧洲城市史和乡村史,要尽可能多地运用各种第一手文献资料,包括档案文献、法律法令、契约章程、教堂婚礼洗礼记录、税费登记、时人作品等文字资料,也包括实物材料和图像资料等。除此之外,还应结合已有知识和研究对象,利用甚至创造条件多进行实地考察并思索。所得实景材料有利于深化和理解已有知识,也可能改变某些既有结论,或促使做新的思考、获得研究启示。研究城市史和乡村史过程中还应注重把握细节,以增强论述的说服力。

To study the urban and rural history of Europe, we should use as many first-hand documental materials as possible, such as archival documents, laws and regulations, statutes, contracts, church's wedding or baptism records, tax registrations, and other works wrote by the contemporaries. We also can use the physical materials and image data, etc. In addition, we should also hold and create the chances to carry out investigation as possible, on the base of our knowledge and for the objects of research. The materials about landscape which obtained by investigation is conducive to deepening and understanding existing knowledge, and may change some of existing conclusions and ideas, make new thinking or get the research inspiration. In the process of studying the urban history and rural history, we should pay attention to the details, in order to enhance the persuasibility of discourse.