Course Description
An examination of the history and practices of public history in
the nation’s capital. Students will study the history of major
cultural institutions in Washington, D.C., and interact with
public history professionals to review contemporary issues in
the field. Course meets in Washington, D.C., as part of a summer
program.
Additional Requirements for Graduate Students:
In addition to completing the readings and assignments required
of undergraduates, graduate students will be asked to: (1) write
an additional book or exhibition review; (2) complete a 20-page
research paper on an issue in public history; and (3) lead one
site visit at a D.C. area exhibition, park, or monument.
Athena Title
Museum Studies in Wash D.C.
Prerequisite
Any 2000-level HIST course
Grading System
A - F (Traditional)
Student Learning Outcomes
- By the end of this course, students will be able to arrive at conclusions about public history in Washington, D.C. gathering and weighing evidence, logical argument, and listening to counter argument.
- By the end of this course, students will be able to write stylistically appropriate papers and essays. Students will be able to analyze ideas and evidence, organize their thoughts, and revise and edit their finished essays.
- By the end of this course, students will be able to identify how public history shaped diverse social and cultural attitudes toward race, gender, labor, immigration, environment, and values, encouraging them to understand diverse worldviews and experiences.
- By the end of this course, students will be able to apply appropriate methodological approaches to their analysis of primary sources and to organize their evidence to show historical continuities and discontinuities.
- By the end of this course, students will be able to generate their own research question or topic, locate suitable primary and secondary sources, and synthesize their ideas in novel ways.
- By the end of this course, students will be able to initiate, manage, complete, and evaluate their independent research projects in stages and to give and receive constructive feedback through the peer review process.
Topical Outline
- Week 1: The Development of Cultural Institutions in Washington, D.C.: The National Mall; U.S. Capitol; National Archives; Library of Congress
- Week 2: The Role of the Public Museum and the Development of the Smithsonian Institution: The National Museum of American History; Museum of the American Indian; The National Portrait Gallery; Museum of African American History
- Week 3: Historic Houses, Parks, and Monuments: Mount Vernon; The National Trust; Woodrow Wilson House Museum; Gettysburg Battlefield Park; The Lincoln, Vietnam, and World War II Memorials
Institutional Competencies
Analytical Thinking
The ability to reason, interpret, analyze, and solve problems from a wide array of authentic contexts.
Communication
The ability to effectively develop, express, and exchange ideas in written, oral, interpersonal, or visual form.
Critical Thinking
The ability to pursue and comprehensively evaluate information before accepting or establishing a conclusion, decision, or action.
Social Awareness & Responsibility
The capacity to understand the interdependence of people, communities, and self in a global society.
