HIST 300: Introduction to Historical Method

HIST 300-004: Introduction to Historical Method: GMU and Northern Virginia in Late 20th-Century U.S. History
(Spring 2019)

04:30 PM to 07:10 PM M

Innovation Hall 323

Section Information for Spring 2019

History 300 is a skills-based course in which history majors learn the process of writing an original research paper based on primary sources that they find and analyze themselves.  The class is an opportunity to dig deeply into both the theory and practice of historical scholarship.  In this particular section, we will focus on late 20th century United States history and research topics will grow out of archival research on our local area – George Mason University and Northern Virginia.   In this writing-intensive course, students will complete weekly writing assignments, both on the required reading and on their research.  Students registering for this section should understand that their schedule needs to allow them to spend time in the library on weekdays, outside of class time.  The course begins with readings and discussions about historical scholarship in general and the late 20th-century United States in particular.  At the same time, students complete a series of projects that introduce various research skills.  In the second part of the semester, students focus on a research question that grows out of those initial projects.  They will also regularly share their findings and drafts with classmates.  In the end, HIST 300 students gain experience with the methods, challenges, and collaboration required of advanced historical scholarship.

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Course Information from the University Catalog

Credits: 3

Introduces research skills and methods, as well as historical interpretation, culminating in written and oral presentations. Notes: Topics vary according to instructor. History majors strongly urged to take HIST 300 as soon as possible after reaching 30 credits. Grade of C or better is required to graduate with BA in history. Students may repeat HIST 300 only with permission from the Department of History and Art History and repetitions are limited. Limited to three attempts.
Mason Core: Synthesis
Specialized Designation: Mason Impact., Topic Varies, Writing Intensive in Major
Recommended Prerequisite: History majors with 30 credits or permission of instructor.
Registration Restrictions:

Enrollment is limited to students with a major in History.

Schedule Type: Lecture
Grading:
This course is graded on the Undergraduate Regular scale.

The University Catalog is the authoritative source for information on courses. The Schedule of Classes is the authoritative source for information on classes scheduled for this semester. See the Schedule for the most up-to-date information and see Patriot web to register for classes.