HIST 500 (01) - Introduction to Historical Thinking

1888 Map of proposed canal in Nicaragua

The theme of this section is “Worlds Collide.” Human beings and human societies are infinitely complex. Our experiences, both past and present, are characterized by complexity as well. I have picked three books that explore aspects of human conflict in the past from different angles. Some confrontations were large-scale encounters like the European invasion of America; others were micro- events within the family or a courtroom. Some past social conflicts have been understood as predominantly political or economic, others cultural and social. Some were friendly and cooperative; others violent and even annihilating. Many were a mix of these elements.

Over the course of the semester, students will read and discuss three to four books that exemplify some of the ways in which historians have attempted to make sense of complex human interactions, in a variety of times and places. In addition, students will pick a fourth historical monograph to analyze for their final essay. The book of choice should somehow address the seminar theme, or another major area of inquiry in the historiography.

In this course, you are the critic. You will read, discuss, and critically analyze the assigned books and articles, in each case, analyzing how the author constructed their arguments and assessing whether or not you think they successfully made their cases.

In addition to critical reading, analysis, and discussion of the books and supplementary articles, the course will introduce you to fundamental and useful skills essential to historians’ work. As a whole, these micro-topics make up a skill-building workshop and are marked on the syllabus with a “(w).”

By the end of this class, you will have developed a set of analytical skills that are essential to historians, but can be applied beyond the walls of the university in a range of occupations that require critical thinking, writing, and speaking.