News Archives - 2005

The History Workshop

As part of the course, The History Workshop, students visit several Twin City archives, tour local historical museums, and meet with experts working in a variety of public history venues. Students above visit the Hennepin County Museum.

"We explored the world of historical interpretation from museums to art exhibits to an author's point of view in a written piece. I was able to explore my own viewpoints and understand the direction I'd like to take someday as a professional historian." This is what History major Kristin Kaspar said of the department's newest course, "The History Workshop" (HIS 280).

"The History Workshop" offers students a wide-ranging introduction to the historical profession through its three main themes: the history of history as a discipline (historiography), the doing of history (research techniques and writing skills), and the public representations of history in museums, historical sites, and the media. As part of the course, students visit several Twin City archives, tour local historical museums, and meet with experts working in a variety of public history venues.

"In essence, the History Workshop gave me a good introduction into what it means to work as an historian (though I still have a lot more to learn). I'm very grateful for the experience," said David Bailey-Aldrich, a Week-End College student.

The course is designed to help students sharpen their research, writing and critical thinking skills in preparation for more advanced work in 300- and 400- level History courses. It also introduces them to the range of professions related to a History degree. Perhaps most importantly, it engages them in what the professors teaching the course hope will become a life-long appreciation of history and historical perspectives.

HIS 280 is intended primarily for History majors and minors, and is required for majors coming in after Fall 2004. Yet students from other disciplines interested in history and its popular representations will also find "The History Workshop" highly beneficial. The course also fulfills the writing graduation skill.

Said Kaspar, "Even non-History majors in our class gained a valuable insight into how history is presented to the average person and how to be a critical thinker when observing these presentations."

Bailey-Aldrich concurred. "I enjoyed the class greatly," he said, "and took away a number of good things that will serve me well, regardless of what subject I'm studying."