History 397Z - ST-Museums and Public History

What is Public history? Public historians-whether they work in museums, archives, historic sites, federal agencies or any one of a number of other possibilities-aim to take the insights of the discipline as they are cultivated in traditional academic arenas and methods and apply them in a wide range of public settings. Public historians are accomplished social, cultural and political historians who are often conversant in related humanities fields; they are also diplomats, fundraisers, managers and mediators. This course will introduce students to the theory and practice of public history. Students will learn not only where and how historians work beyond the conventional classroom, but the many ways history operates in American public life.

Open to Seniors, Juniors & Sophomores only.