This course is mandatory for all incoming Ph.D. students and is the first half of a two-semester sequence. All others need instructor's permission to enroll.
HIST 700 The Study of History
Taught as schedule allows (consult the Course Directory)
This seminar explores the art and science of historical knowledge. Our goal will be to probe the varieties of questions that historians ask, the procedures they employ to answer them, and the nature of the conclusions they offer. Texts will advance a range of approaches toward historical insight and discussions will focus on the possibilities and pitfalls of explaining and interpreting the past. During the fall semester the seminar will operate primarily as a readings course, where reading is understood as a contact sport. To stimulate discussion and group learning, we will be using the collaborative seminar format known as Australian Rules.
Course Syllabus (PDF)
