Course Syllabus
History 395 Modern Historical Research and Writing
What makes good history? How do we recognize good history? What standards and practices should we observe when we produce history? How should historians work in the face of the fragmentary nature of the historical record? How do new perspectives redefine and enrich our understanding of history? What technologies should the well-trained historian be using?
In this course we will read exemplary works of research and analysis. We will also look at works that suggest new frameworks of understanding. Together, our aim will be to understand how history is made and how history moves forward thanks to new questions, new sources, and new methods.
Seminar assignments culminate in a research proposal.
office hours: A good time to connect is immediately after class, but I am always happy to schedule an appointment. Write to me (jonas@uw.edu) to set up an appointment by phone, Zoom, or in person.
History Department policy information Download History Department policy information
Course Summary:
| Date | Details | Due |
|---|---|---|
| Tue Mar 26, 2024 | Calendar Event Introductions and Procedures | 1:30pm to 3:20pm |
| Mon Apr 1, 2024 | Assignment reading and questions | due by 11:59pm |
| Tue Apr 2, 2024 | Calendar Event Migration and Geopolitics; Research and Writing (R&W): Why We Do History | 1:30pm to 3:20pm |
| Mon Apr 8, 2024 | Assignment reading and questions | due by 11:59pm |
| Tue Apr 9, 2024 | Calendar Event Social History, Social Memory; R&W: Taking Notes | 1:30pm to 3:20pm |
| Mon Apr 15, 2024 | Assignment reading and questions | due by 11:59pm |
| Tue Apr 16, 2024 | Calendar Event Working with Ideas: Language, Religion, Race; R&W: Finding and Managing Sources | 1:30pm to 3:20pm |
| Mon Apr 22, 2024 | Assignment reading and questions | due by 11:59pm |
| Tue Apr 23, 2024 | Calendar Event History and Memory; R&W: Oral History | 1:30pm to 3:20pm |
| Mon Apr 29, 2024 | Assignment reading and questions | due by 11:59pm |
| Assignment research subject and working bibliography | due by 11:59pm | |
| Tue Apr 30, 2024 | Calendar Event Environmental History; R&W: Engaging Your Reader | 1:30pm to 3:20pm |
| Mon May 6, 2024 | Assignment choosing a mentor | due by 11:59pm |
| Assignment reading and questions | due by 11:59pm | |
| Tue May 7, 2024 | Calendar Event History through Biography; R&W: Characters and Storytelling | 1:30pm to 3:20pm |
| Mon May 13, 2024 | Assignment reading and questions | due by 11:59pm |
| Tue May 14, 2024 | Calendar Event Business History, Commodity Flows; History of Food; R&W: Organization & Scale; Managing a Timeline; Cast of Characters | 1:30pm to 3:20pm |
| Mon May 20, 2024 | Assignment reading and questions | due by 11:59pm |
| Tue May 21, 2024 | Calendar Event Science and Technology; R&W: Research after the Digital Turn | 1:30pm to 3:20pm |
| Wed Jun 5, 2024 | Assignment research prospectus | due by 11:59pm |