Public History, B.A. Learning Outcomes

Program Educational Objectives

• Students will demonstrate history methods through understanding the nature of historical inquiry, the identification and ethical use of appropriate primary sources as evidence, the situating of historical research in a body of secondary source research literature (historiography), and the use of appropriate citation methods.
• Students will apply historical knowledge and understanding of historical contexts to discussions of contemporary issues, and with recognition of multiple and diverse perspectives.
• Students will demonstrate analytical and critical thinking skills necessary for interpreting and using sources as the basis for thesis/argument.
• Students will demonstrate an ability to analyze and apply interpretive methods to public-facing historical work, including documents and sources, material culture, monuments, museums, archives, digital media, and other collective representations of the past.
• Students will develop an understanding of the methodology, theory and scholarship, ethics, and best practices of public history.
• Students will be capable of communicating historical knowledge and interpretations to various and differing publics.
• Students will understand the issues associated with public presentations of history.