HPS 208 - Historical Methods

History concentration major or minor, or permission of instructor.

Learning Outcomes
Upon completion of this course, the student will be able to do the following: 

1. Define “history” and explain its potential uses and misuses;
2. Understand & apply the 4 main sub-categories (or themes) within historical studies: Political History;Social History; Economic History; and Cultural History;
3. Discuss the concept of “historiography”;
4. Differentiate between primary and secondary historical sources, plus evaluate and analyze their contents, keeping particularly in mind their respective strengths and weaknesses;
5. Recognize and employ the main modes of historical analysis: continuity vs. change; multiple causality; contextual/thematic; comparative/ synthesis;
6. Communicate historical analyses effectively in writing and discussion;
7. Identify career possibilities within traditional historical professions (and the application of historical skills to other career fields) and present oneself professionally.

Frequency of Offering:
Offered each Fall Semester