t h e c o l l e g e at r i n d g e In the field of public history, scholars and researchers apply historical knowledge and methods in diverse public and private settings outside academia. Public historians are involved in the process of developing stories about the past that are presented to the general public—for the benefit of the citizenry and in a public venue. The presentation of historical narratives in the public sphere can take many forms: radio, television, and film; digital history projects, advertising and marketing; historical sites and museums; historic markers and heritage districts; history education programs for students; historical reenactments; and mass market publications.
Minor Requirements
The Public History Minor requires 18 credits (six courses). There are four required courses and two public history electives. Students combining the History Major and the Public History Minor will need three additional public history courses in addition to their major coursework because three of the major and minor courses will double count (fulfill requirements in both the major and the minor). Six Courses – 18 Credits Four Required courses: HP211 Introduction to Public History (This also counts towards the history major.) HP495 Internship in Public History Two History courses: One 200-level HS course One 300-level HS course
(This also counts towards the history major.) (This also counts towards the history major.)
Two Public History Electives: HP245 History and the World Wide Web HP310 Oral History HP320 Salem to Gettysburg: Exploring Local and National History HP375 Topics in Public History HP399, 499 Independent Study in Public History
Public History Curriculum HP211 Introduction to Public History 3 credits This course, required for all history majors, acquaints students with the field of public history. It serves as the introductory course to the History Department’s Minor in Public History. It is especially useful for students considering careers in public service, historical museums, historic sites, historical societies, archives, historic preservation, digital history, and filmmaking. HP245 History and the World Wide Web 3 credits This course acquaints students with the emerging field of digital history and the role of the World Wide Web in the history profession. As part of this course, students will complete a history web site on a selected topic. HP310 Oral History 3 credits This course offers students an introduction to both long-standing standards and practices in oral history, and innovations resulting from technological change. Through the examination of case studies, the course also allows students to explore the various ways oral testimony can be used in traditional academic historical interpretations, as well as a wide variety of public history enterprises, including community and local projects, institutional projects, television, radio, film, and museums. Prerequisites: GLE120 and one HP200-level course or one HS200-level course or permission of the instructor. HP320 Salem to Gettysburg: Exploring Local and National History 3 credits This course acquaints students with the field of historical interpretation at museums, historic sites, and historical societies at the state, local, and national level. Students will explore the 146