HIS 205: Making History: The Art and Science of Historical Research

Goal: This intermediate-level history course builds upon the foundational historical thinking skills developed in 100-level courses to introduce students to the professional methodologies and analytical frameworks used by historians. Students will explore the concept of historiography-the study of how historical writing and interpretation have evolved. They will learn that different historiographical perspectives enable historians to answer various types of questions about the past. Through hands-on archival research projects and critical analysis of primary and secondary sources, students will develop sophisticated research skills while examining how historical interpretation evolves in response to changing methodologies and perspectives. Students will learn how historians contextualize specific historical developments within broader patterns and movements, using focused case studies to illuminate larger historical questions and themes. By the end of this course, students will not only have a deeper understanding of how historians construct narratives about the past but will also be equipped with the analytical tools to evaluate complex historical arguments, recognize connections between micro- and macrohistorical developments, and conduct their original historical research.
Credit: 3
Degree Level: Undergraduate