Andrew Crislip, Ph.D.
Tuesdays, 7:00 - 9:40 p.m.
In person, History Conference Room, 811 S. Cathedral Place

Historiography and Methodology encompasses the study (and the history) of history, and the intersecting and interdisciplinary approaches that historians have taken in interpreting and writing about the past. We will focus on the influential approaches to history writing over the past 200 years, and explore the influence of other disciplines on the historical profession, including anthropology, sociology, literary theory, and psychology. 

Michael Dickinson, Ph.D.
Thursdays, 4:00 - 6:40 p.m.
In person, History Conference Room, 811 S. Cathedral Place

This course will examine trends in slavery scholarship surrounding slave life and culture spanning the colonial era to the antebellum era. Readings will focus on understanding how historical thinking surrounding slavery has changed over time and explore major shifts in slavery scholarship. Vibrant new pathways of modern slavery studies will also be highlighted including comparative slavery and the legacies of slavery. Through the course, students will be challenged to consider how we can better understand both enslaved people and the institution of slavery. 

**Please note: this course counts as the HIST 610 Core Requirement for the M.A. degree

Joseph Bendersky, Ph.D.
Wednesdays, 7:00 - 9:40 p.m.
In person, History Conference Room, 811 S. Cathedral Place

In this seminar students will initially do common readings on major historical issues in 20th Century European and American history; and on research approaches and methodology.  The main focus of the course thereafter will be a major student research paper based upon the necessary secondary literature on that subject followed by original research into primary sources.  Although each research topic must be approved by the instructor, students will have wide flexibility in selecting the field of historical study they would like to pursue (e.g., intellectual, cultural/social, political, military) and the particular topic about which they will research and write.  Students should further develop their ability to do independent research and present their findings through well written coherent arguments based upon sound documentary evidence.  

**Please note: this course counts as the HIST 630 Core Requirement for the M.A. degree

Karen Rader, Ph.D.
Wednesdays, 4:00-6:40 p.m.
In person, History Conference Room, 811 S. Cathedral Place

An overview of the field of public history, intended to introduce students a range of professional historical activities practiced outside the University classroom, with a focus on many local Richmond case studies. This Fall 2026 section will focus primarily on archival work, public communication, museum studies (including curation), and historical work with descendant communities. Throughout we will consider the theoretical issues that arise from doing public history, defined as history of, for, by and/or with the public.

*Eligible for the Certificate in Public History

Gregory Smithers, Ph.D.
Mondays, 4:00 - 6:40 p.m.
In person, History Conference Room, 811 S. Cathedral Place

An introduction to the practice and theories of oral history, a method employing interviews or sound recordings of people with personal knowledge of past events. Students will consider the benefits and limitations of the method as well as learn the general legal issues involved. Students will conduct their own interviews and practice the transcription of oral testimony.  

*Eligible for the Certificate in Public History

HIST 693 is a field internship, wherein students receive credit for work on historical projects with approved agencies. Internships are generally for students of senior standing, and student interns will register for Hist 693. Students may receive 2, 3, or 4 credit hours for work per semester, for a maximum of 6 credits. The work of the internship varies, and our Director of Internships takes particular care to place students in internships which match their interests and career goals. Interns have written research papers and mini-histories, developed interpretive programs, participated in archaeological projects, conducted oral history interviews, prepared exhibitions, catalogued manuscript collections, and discharged a variety of administrative duties. Contact Brian Daugherity, Ph.D. for more information. 

**Required for the Certificate in Public History and the M.A. in History

Lisa Freiman, Ph.D.
Wednesdays 2-4:40 p.m.
Buford House | Room 0202

In this course, students work collaboratively to develop an exhibit script that reflects a contemporary museological issue through the display of artworks and/or artifacts.

*Eligible for the Certificate in Public History

Randy Barrack
Mondays 7-9:40 p.m.
701 West Grace Street | Room 2305

Explores the history, theories and dynamics of not-for-profit organizations in the United States, with focus on organizations with local or regional services areas. Emphasizes political, legal, cultural and constituent environments; revenue generation; decision-making; communications leadership; and organizational models. Compares the mission and operations of nonprofit organizations, government organizations and for-profit enterprises in the delivery of services.

*Eligible for the Certificate in Public History

.