Courses
The history department offers a variety of graduate courses in European, North American and trans-Atlantic history, as well as courses in the field of public history. Courses generally fall into three types:
- readings
- research
- methods or studies (including internships)
All M.A. students are required to take HIST 601, Historiography and Methodology. Additional requirements depend upon whether a student chooses to write a thesis or not. This decision is made at the end of the first year in the program.
Fall 2022 Course Offerings
Rocio Gomez, Ph.D.
Mondays, 7:00 - 9:40 p.m.
Online/Synchronous
HIST 601 is designed as a methods course. We will discuss and examine the classic works on history as disciplinary field and practice, as well as recent works challenging those interpretations. At the same time, we will practice writing historiographical essays in addition to writing for the public. We will end the semester with a discussion of digital history. The goal is to obtain a greater understanding of the differing approaches to historical writing and analysis.
Joseph Bendersky, Ph.D.
Wednesdays 7:00 - 9:40 p.m.
In Person
Through readings, discussions, and research, this course examines the origins, nature, and consequences of the twentieth century's second "Total War." Key subjects will include: diplomatic relations; military strategy; the nature of total war as actually experienced by soldiers on the battlefield; the role of ideology; total mobilization of the home front. Although focusing on Europe, this course will also cover the extensive and decisive U.S. role in the war. Considering that numerous jobs at archives and museums across the country are related to America’s wartime engagements and experiences, this course is particularly suitable to students interested in public history.
Brian Daugherity, Ph.D.
Thursdays, 4:00 - 6:40 p.m.
In Person
This course examines the historiography of Virginia from the colonial era to the present. It includes significant elements of social, political, legal and race relations history, and will place particular emphasis on public history. In addition, there will be consideration of military, economic, religious, and cultural influences. In assignments and discussions, we will examine and analyze a variety of historical accounts of this era—examining the methodologies, archival sources, and arguments used to narrate the history of Virginia, and reflecting on how historians have represented this period. The goal is to obtain a better understanding of the history of Virginia, Virginia’s impact on national affairs, and the historical profession more broadly.
*Eligible for the Certificate in Public History
Michael Dickinson, Ph.D.
Mondays, 4:00 - 6:40 p.m.
Hybrid
This course seeks to provide students with the tools necessary to conduct research in African American history. Students will have the freedom to select topics over a broad time period to ask thoughtful and probing questions about how people of African descent worked to shape and forge lives throughout American history. The course will reveal the ways historical study of African American history can and should center black voices. Particular emphasis will be placed upon dynamic and innovative research practices used to discover and interrogate sources in order to reveal the perspectives of black actors and communities. Students will employ these skills to formulate and execute individual research projects which will shed light upon black struggles and successes throughout the nation's history.
Daniel Morales, Ph.D.
Wednesdays, 4:00 - 6:40 p.m.
In Person
Digital History explore the ways technology can change the way we research, write, teach, and produce history. You will develop a knowledge of a range of digital and research methods as we work collectively on a digital humanities project on immigrants in Virginia. Students will hopefully come away with an understanding of the many ways in which historians and the general public engage with one another; how the internet and oral history engage with museums, monuments, and the telling of history. This class begins with the foundations of digital history and consider a variety of media, platforms, and projects. We will have hands-on training in oral history, audio editing, website design, podcasts, map making as we build towards a larger digital project. By the end of the course, students should gain a basic understanding of the field along with enough technical expertise to begin participating in it, given their own interests and needs. Above all, the course should enhance students’ engagement with the past.
*Eligible for the Certificate in Public History
Relevant Courses of Interest for Fall 2022
Randy Barrack, Ph.D.
Mondays, 7:00 - 9:40 p.m.
In Person
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
I-Shian (Ivan) Suen, Ph.D.
Mondays, 7:00 - 8:40 p.m.
Online/Synchronous
Introduces the components, capabilities, and functionalities of Geographic Information Systems. In addition to the concepts upon which GIS is based, how it works and what it does, this course introduces cartographic techniques necessary to design and construct effective maps with an emphasis on thematic mapping. It also examines the processing, compilation and symbolization of spatial data and the application of related analytical techniques. Laboratory work emphasizes practical applications and uses of ArcGIS and the spatial analyst extension. 2 lecture and 2 laboratory hours 3 credits.
* Eligible for the Certificate in Public History
* Eligible for the Certificate in Public History
Bulletin Course Descriptions
HIST 511. Studies in American History. 3 Hours.
Semester course; 3 lecture hours. 3 credits. May be repeated for a maximum of 12 credits. Study of a selected topic in American history, primarily through lectures and readings. See the Schedule of Classes for specific topics to be offered each semester.
HIST 515. Studies in European History. 3 Hours.
Semester course; 3 lecture hours. 3 credits. May be repeated for a maximum of 12 credits. Study of a selected topic in European history, primarily through lectures and readings. See the Schedule of Classes for specific topics to be offered each semester.
HIST 519. Studies in Ethnic and Social History. 3 Hours.
Semester course; 3 lecture hours. 3 credits. May be repeated for a maximum of 12 credits. Study of a selected topic in ethnic or social history, primarily through lectures and readings. See the Schedule of Classes for specific topics to be offered each semester.
HIST 523. Studies in Virginia and Southern History. 3 Hours.
Semester course; 3 lecture hours. 3 credits. May be repeated for a maximum of 12 credits. Study of a selected topic in Virginia or Southern history, primarily through lectures and readings. See the Schedule of Classes for specific topics to be offered each semester.
HIST 527. Studies in African-American History. 3 Hours.
Semester course; 3 lecture hours. 3 credits. May be repeated for a maximum of 12 credits. Study of a selected topic in African-American history, primarily through lectures and readings. See the Schedule of Classes for specific topics to be offered each semester.
HIST 591. Special Topics in History. 1-3 Hours.
Semester course; 1-3 lecture hours. 1-3 credits. May be repeated with different topics for a maximum of 9 credits. An intensive study of a selected topic in history.
HIST 601. Historiography and Methodology. 3 Hours.
Semester course; 3 lecture hours. 3 credits. A study of the development of history as a discipline from ancient times to the present. The course examines the evolution of historical theory and philosophy, great historians, schools of interpretation, and problems of historical methodology. This course is a prerequisite for research seminars.
HIST 611. Readings in American History. 3 Hours.
Semester course; 3 lecture hours. 3 credits. May be repeated for a maximum of 12 credits. Analysis of major studies and interpretative trends in a particular area of American history through readings and class discussions. See the Schedule of Classes for specific topics to be offered each semester.
HIST 615. Readings in European History. 3 Hours.
Semester course; 3 lecture hours. 3 credits. May be repeated for a maximum of 12 credits. Analysis of major studies and interpretative trends in a particular area of European history through readings and class discussions. See the Schedule of Classes for specific topics to be offered each semester.
HIST 619. Readings in Ethnic and Social History. 3 Hours.
Semester course; 3 lecture hours. 3 credits. May be repeated for a maximum of 12 credits. Analysis of major studies and interpretative trends in a particular area of ethnic or social history through readings and class discussions. See the Schedule of Classes for specific topics to be offered each semester.
HIST 623. Readings in Virginia and Southern History. 3 Hours.
Semester course; 3 lecture hours. 3 credits. May be repeated for a maximum of 12 credits. Analysis of major studies and interpretative trends in a particular area of Virginia or Southern history through readings and class discussions. See the Schedule of Classes for specific topics to be offered each semester.
HIST 627. Readings in African-American History. 3 Hours.
Semester course; 3 lecture hours. 3 credits. May be repeated for a maximum of 12 credits. Analysis of major studies and interpretative trends in a particular area of African-American history through readings and class discussions. See the Schedule of Classes for specific topics to be offered each semester.
HIST 631. Research in American History. 3 Hours.
Semester course; 3 lecture hours. 3 credits. May be repeated for a maximum of 12 credits. Analysis of significant problems in a particular field of American history through research, writing, in-class presentations and discussions. See the Schedule of Classes for specific topics to be offered each semester.
HIST 635. Research in European History. 3 Hours.
Semester course; 3 lecture hours. 3 credits. May be repeated for a maximum of 12 credits. Analysis of significant problems in a particular field of European history through research, writing, in-class presentations and discussions. See the Schedule of Classes for specific topics to be offered each semester.
HIST 638. Research in Transatlantic History. 3 Hours.
Semester course; 3 lecture hours. 3 credits. May be repeated for a maximum of 12 credits. Analysis of significant problems in a particular field of transatlantic history through research, writing, in-class presentations and discussions. See the Schedule of Classes for specific topics to be offered each semester.
HIST 639. Research in Ethnic and Social History. 3 Hours.
Semester course; 3 lecture hours. 3 credits. May be repeated for a maximum of 12 credits. Analysis of significant problems in a particular field of ethnic or social history through research, writing, in-class presentations and discussions. See the Schedule of Classes for specific topics to be offered each semester.
HIST 643. Research in Virginia and Southern History. 3 Hours.
Semester course; 3 lecture hours. 3 credits. May be repeated for a maximum of 12 credits. Analysis of significant problems in a particular field of Virginia or Southern history through research, writing, in-class presentations and discussions. See the Schedule of Classes for specific topics to be offered each semester.
HIST 647. Research in African-American History. 3 Hours.
Semester course; 3 lecture hours. 3 credits. May be repeated for a maximum of 12 credits. Analysis of significant problems in a particular field of African-American history through research, writing, in-class presentations and discussions. See the Schedule of Classes for specific topics to be offered each semester.
HIST 651. Public History: Theory and Practice. 3 Hours.
Semester course; 3 lecture hours. 3 credits. An overview of the field of public history, intended to introduce students to the range of professional historical activities practiced outside the classroom. Explores methods and skills including archival work, documentary editing, historic preservation, museum studies and oral history. The course also involves a sustained consideration of the theoretical issues that arise from public history work, defined as history of, for, by and/or with the public.
HIST 652. Documentary Editing and Scholarly Publishing. 3 Hours.
Semester course; 3 lecture hours. 3 credits. An overview of the processes by which historical scholarship is disseminated by publication. Students will practice editing scholarly editions of historic documents and reviewing manuscripts for publication in academic media. Special consideration will be given to the digital humanities and new technology's relation to the traditional publishing trade.
HIST 653. American Material Culture. 3 Hours.
Semester course; 3 lecture hours. 3 credits. Material culture is a term encompassing all things created or modified by people -- such as clothing, tools, furniture, works of art, buildings and even landscapes. This course introduces students to the field of material culture studies and challenges them to study the American past through examination of its artifacts and architecture. Students will explore a range of disciplinary approaches and time periods, as well as the role of politics in the preservation and exhibition of material culture.
HIST 654. Oral History: Theory and Practice. 3 Hours.
Semester course; 3 lecture hours. 3 credits. 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.
HIST 655. Digital History. 3 Hours.
Semester course; 3 lecture hours. 3 credits. This course explores the ways technology can change the way historians research, analyze, write, discuss and produce history. Beginning with the foundations of digital history, the course will consider a variety of media, platforms and projects, and will pay particular attention to the digital initiatives in the region. Students will experience hands-on training in web literacies and other skills, including sound editing, map editing and text mining, building toward presentations of final digital projects that employ at least one new skill. By the end of the course, students should gain a basic understanding of the field’s advantages and challenges along with enough technical expertise to begin participating in it, given their own interests and needs. Above all, the course should enhance students’ engagement with the past, not distract from it.
HIST 657. Controversy in Public History. 3 Hours.
Semester course; 3 lecture hours. 3 credits. It is essential for practitioners of public history to feel comfortable addressing controversial or difficult topics, whether in teaching, writing or developing public history products. To offer such preparation, this course will focus on ways that history has been contested and the role of historians in mitigating these clashes in the broader political culture. Just as these battles may play out at the national level, they similarly unfold in communities, institutions and workplaces. Students will learn — through readings and class discussions, practical exercises, and meetings with professionals from the field — strategies for understanding and accommodating various perspectives and for interpreting controversial historical material. This course encourages disagreement and respectful dialogue.
HIST 691. Special Topics in History. 1-3 Hours.
Semester course; 1-3 lecture hours. 1-3 credits. May be repeated for a maximum of 9 credits. An intensive study of a selected topic in history.
HIST 692. Independent Study. 1-3 Hours.
Semester course; 1-3 credits. Maximum of 6 credits. Prerequisite: permission of department chair. Requires an analysis of a historical problem or topic in depth under faculty supervision.
HIST 693. Internship in History. 2-4 Hours.
Semester course; variable hours. 2-4 credits per semester. Maximum of 6 credits. Determination of the amount of credit and permission of departmental internship coordinator must be procured prior to registration for this course. Students receive credit for work on historical projects with approved agencies.
HIST 698. M.A. Thesis. 1-6 Hours.
1-6 credits. May be repeated for a maximum of 6 credits.