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.
Over the course of the quarter you will be expected to formulate a research topic and complete exploratory research. Seminar assignments culminate in a research proposal.
office hours: Tuesday 2:20-2:50pm; Wednesday 1:20-1:50pm; also by appointment. Write to me (jonas@uw.edu) to set up an appointment.