History | History in Public: Problems Theory, & Practices in Public History
H650 | 17493 | Sandweiss
H650 HISTORY IN PUBLIC: PROBLEMS THEORY, & PRACTICES IN PUBLIC
HISTORY
17493 3:35-5:30 R SANDWEISS
A portion of the above section reserved for majors
Above section meets with AMST-G 620
What is “public history,” anyway? How does it differ—or how should
it differ--from other forms of historical practice? In this
colloquium, we examine shifting notions both of “the public” and
of “history” to develop a broader outline of the field within a
context of evolving cultural and professional expectations. Using a
combination of case studies and theoretical readings, we will examine
the promise and peril of a historical practice that is carried out in
full awareness of, and in dialogue with, public audiences—in the
museum, in the press, at historic sites, on the web, in theatres, and
yes, even in the classroom. Coursework includes: regular reading
assignments of one book (or several articles) each week, a series of
short critical essays, in-class presentations, and several field
trips.