The Proposed Institute for the Indies San Francisco State University

Image: Photos of SF State students and scenes from around campus

Welcome

The proposed Institute for the Indies is an academic research institute at San Francisco State University dedicated to studying the Early Modern Period (1450-1850) using economics as a frame in which to paint a historical picture. Its approach is to take archival research; aid in its preservation and availibility; analyze it from a modern perspective to understand the times; and use academic papers and articles as well as documentaries to disseminate findings to the public.

Archival Research

Research is the life-blood of any academic institution. In order to meet our needs for data, the Institute for the Indies will collaborate with institutions worldwide and sponsors archival research trips for professional researchers, graduate students, and undergraduates.

Study Abroad

  • The Institute for the Indies plans to organize a number of study abroad expeditions over the next several years, pending funding, demand, and logistical concerns, in order to introduce students to documenting, researching and analyzing primary and secondary source data for academic and professional distribution.

Documentaries

As any institution concerned with research, the Institute is eager to share its observations and findings with others. As such it is our intention to produce documentaries in addition to journals and articles.

This is an especially good opportunity if you have some film or post-production experience.

Great Libraries of the World

This is a proposed documentary series that will visit notable libraries and institutes and showcase segments of the their collections. At the moment this is in the planning stages only, but will begin production by early 2009. We will need help in the following:

  1. Post-production
  2. Lighting
  3. Sound
  4. Collection research
  5. Scripting
  6. Interviewing
  7. Coordinating

Individuals with limited or no experience will be offered a choice of working with someone more experienced for the chance to learn through doing and observing.

Archives

OCR and Document Services

Whenever possible, the Institute for the Indies wishes to assist or provide references for assistance in the transcription and digitization of primary sources.

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International Cooperation

The very nature of our mission brings us in contact with professionals, amateur historians, technical experts in many parts of the world. Through the Office of International Programs, the Institute invites students to continue dialogue with institutions back home.

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Ferdinand Magellan

Magellan 500

In 2019, the Institute for the Indies will be celebrating the 500th anniversary of Ferdinand Magellan's departure from Seville, Spain.

VOC Ship Batavia shipyard

Building

As we progress, the Institute hopes to provide an opportunity for interdisciplinary study and critical thinking. At the moment, we are planning our long-term organizatioanl needs.

Have an Idea?

Let us know about it!

Send us an e-mail!