Approaches to History (393-0-22)

Topic

The Historian's Craft 1

Instructors

Robin Duffin Bates
847/467-4839
Harris 242

Meeting Info

Harris Hall 108: Mon, Wed 3:30PM - 4:50PM

Overview of class

Sanders Seminar: The Historian's Craft

This is the first installment of a special two-quarter seminar in students engage with the problems that historians are facing and their debates on how to solve them. The course is open only to candidates who have successfully applied to the Department of History for admission.

This seminar offers opportunities far beyond what a standard class can provide. Not only will you read classic works and cutting-edge scholarship, but you'll also meet major figures in the field, including authors on the syllabus, invited to campus specifically to talk with you about their work, your research, and the study of history. Then you will be able to follow your interests to address selected debates and themes that have spoken to you as you devise an original research project in close consultation with your fellow Sanders Scholars.

Learning Objectives

You will learn how to: 1) Appreciate and critically appraise the arguments advanced in historical scholarship; 2) Identify patterns unfolding across different historiographical interventions that form an ongoing scholarly conversation; 3) Situate your own research agenda in relation to these ongoing conversations.

Evaluation Method

Class discussion; brief source evaluation papers; self-directed research essay

Class Notes

Class meets in Harris 108; open to students accepted into the Sanders seminar after the applications process this Spring Quarter

Class Attributes

Historical Studies Distro Area