Course Synopsis:

HIST*6020 Modern Historiography Fall 2017 studies the evolution of the discipline of History in the modern era (from 1850 or so, up to the present). It examines intellectual, social, and political currents which have shaped the practice of academic history, with particular emphasis to understand the current state of the academic discipline as well as its popular practices.

The course is organized to examine the major trends in modern historiography, historical research, and teaching.  The themes and trends include: the rise of social history in the democratic age; concepts of modernity and post-modernity; the emergence of ‘culture’ and ‘power’ as a paradigms for understanding the human past; the rise of anthropological approaches; and the influence of political and social liberation on the writing and understanding of history, in modern Western and non-Western societies; and, the nature and operation of current “communities of practice” in the discipline of history.

Method of Evaluation and Weights:

Reading introduction (2): 18%
Review essay (2000 words): 16%
Seminar Participation: 18%
Thesis/major paper proposal or other historiographical essay: 48%

Required Text:

Adam Budd, ed. The Modern Historiography Reader.  Western Sources.  New York:  Routledge, 2009.

*Please note:  This is a preliminary web course description only.  The department reserves the right to change without notice any information in this description.  The final, binding course outline will be distributed in the first class of the semester.