Historical Professions – HIST 701

CG • Section 8WK • 11/08/2019 to 04/16/2020 • Modified 09/05/2023

Course Description

An overview of the discipline of history, patterns of historical research, history instruction, historical organizations and careers in history.

For information regarding prerequisites for this course, please refer to the Academic Course Catalog.

Rationale

The course provides a general introduction to doctoral studies in history, equipping the student for study, encouraging professional aptitudes, and providing a foundation for career preparation. The course prepares the student for a terminal program by reviewing patterns of historical interpretations, reinforcing knowledge of research databases and skills, and introducing professional organizations. 

Course Assignment

Textbook readings and lecture presentations/notes

Course Requirements Checklist

After reading the Course Syllabus and Student Expectations, the student will complete the related checklist found in the Course Overview.

Video Discussions (8)

Discussions are collaborative learning experiences. Therefore, the student will complete weekly Video Discussions which highlight research competencies and historical databases of the Jerry Falwell Library. The student is required to produce a brief video on the provided topic, demonstrating course-related knowledge. In addition to the initial posting (abstract, sources, video link) the student will provide responses to videos of three other classmates.

Benchmarking Programs Assignment

The assignment requires benchmarking and a data-driven comparative analysis of selected history programs.

Blog Assignments (2)

There are two required blogs in the course, relating to specialized historical research. The student will create a blog, write blogs on prescribed topics and submit blog assignments (abstract, a source list and a blog link).

Quizzes (8)

There are eight quizzes across the term. Each quiz includes essay and multiple choice questions and is based on the readings and presentations of a module.

Professional Development Assignment

The assignment requires professional self-assessment and the formulation of plans related to teaching, service and scholarship.

The assignment requires the student to research a position opening, write a letter of application and submit a c.v.