HI227
Foundations of Public History
0.5 Credit

This course explores how historians mobilize knowledge about the past outside of the classroom. Students will investigate how public historians engage with current events and collaborate with government, media, communities, and social movements to inform and shape policy, law, heritage, education, and social change. Through examining case studies and participating in discussions on public history methods, students will be introduced to key concepts in public history practice. A major component of the course is the creation of an independent public history project. Students will design and develop their own project focused on a local history topic of their choice. The project may involve research, curation, digital history, or public engagement, allowing students to apply their skills to a real-world context. These projects will be presented at the end of the term.