History 659: Public History
Fall 2004, Thurs.
2:00 - 5:30 pm
Synopsis:
Public History is history that is seen, heard, read and interpreted by a popular audience. Public historians expand on the methods of academic history by emphasizing non-traditional evidence and presentation formats, reframing questions, and in the process creating a distinctive historical practice. . . . Public History is also history that belongs to the public. By emphasizing the public context of scholarship, public history trains historians to transform their research to reach audiences outside the academy. History 659 introduces students to the “distinctive historical practice” of Public History. The first few weeks of the course will examine the various public images and uses of history, past and present. Topics include how versions of the past are created, institutionalized and disseminated as the public history in civic celebrations, memorials and monuments; in popular culture, including television and film; and in the landscape. We will also consider the relationship of these public histories to more private versions of the past communicated among family and friends (the relationship between Public History and collective memory). The remainder of the course will examine some of the particular issues confronted by historians who work in public history settings such as museums and historic sites, historic preservation agencies, archives, history-related web sites and documentary film. Note: This course is required for those seeking an MA with a concentration in Public History; it is highly recommended for others interested in the place of history in modern American culture. Course requirements include a significant group service project with a local organization.
Syllabus: History 659, Fall 2004 (Save as PDF)
Course Website: Not available
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