Introductory Surveys (100-200 level)
- Pedagogical goals for all introductory surveys: To introduce students to three fundamental skills of the historical trade: critical reading of primary and secondary sources (text, image and artifact); contextualizing evidence from primary sources in a larger, complex historical narrative created by secondary sources and textbooks; understanding how the larger historical narrative develops by making and presenting small arguments about historical processes in traditional (written) and non-traditional forms (e.g., debates, poster sessions, trading cards, )
Topics in History (300 level)
- Pedagogical goals for topical courses: To refine critical reading skills by introducing more complex primary and secondary sources; to introduce further complications into the historical narrative created by contradictory secondary sources; to refine the presentation of historical arguments in both traditional and non-traditional forms.
Upper-division topics and major seminars (400 level and major seminars)
- Pedagogical goals for advanced courses: To continue to refine critical reading skills by introducing longer, more difficult primary and contradictory secondary sources; to encourage students to contribute to and judge the historical narrative created by secondary sources; to perfect the presentation of historical arguments and understand the interpretive impact of medium in the presentation of historical arguments.