Methods

How do historians work? How do we frame historical questions for research, locate and work with evidence, and develop interpretations in conversation with those who have come before us? In this foundational class, we will explore the methods and theoretical approaches used by historians. Reading assignments and discussions will develop historical thinking. The crafting of historical research questions, analysis of primary sources, and exploration of existing scholarship will all build research and writing skills. Prior completion of at least one history course at Whitman is strongly recommended. This course is required of the History major, but is open to non-majors.

Prof. Cotts, 4 credits, MW 2:30-3:50 p.m.

• Fulfills Social Sciences, Writing Across Contexts, and/or Studying the Past distribution.
• History major: 299-Methodologies requirement

In this course, all senior History majors gather to read and reflect upon forms and processes of producing history. In doing so, all participants will be thinking about their own "track" within the major and will begin working on their own senior project (completed in the spring). Together, we will deepen our abilities to contextualize and interpret sources while analyzing historical monographs, further enhancing our range of studying and engaging with the past. We will consolidate skills already acquired as historians: asking questions, locating and analyzing historical evidence, synthesizing existing research, and developing argument and narrative. Assignments include readings of/from historical monographs, weekly reflections and discussion, short analyses and a final reflection paper. Required of, and only open to, senior History and History-Environmental Studies majors.

Prof.s Arch & Dott, 3 credits, M 7:30-10 p.m.

• History major: 401, Senior-Colloquium requirement

Internships are designed to provide an opportunity for students to gain firsthand experience working as an historian with primary materials in an off-campus organization. Department approval in advance is required. Students accepted into the department's summer historical internship program are required to take this class the following fall.

Prof. Lerman, variable credit

How do historians work? How do we frame historical questions for research, locate and work with evidence, and develop interpretations in conversation with those who have come before us? In this foundational class, we will explore the methods and theoretical approaches used by historians. Reading assignments and discussions will develop historical thinking. The crafting of historical research questions, analysis of primary sources, and exploration of existing scholarship will all build research and writing skills. Prior completion of at least one history course at Whitman is strongly recommended. This course is required of the History major, but is open to non-majors. 

Prof. Woodfork, 4 credits, TTh 2:30-3:50 p.m.

• Fulfills Social Sciences, Writing Across Contexts, and/or Studying the Past distribution.
• History major: 299-Methodologies requirement

Senior History majors enroll in one of the following:

History 402 (Capstone). This course provides space for senior majors, in weekly class meetings during the first half of the semester, to collectively workshop their preparation of their capstone essay for their senior oral exams. This essay may be either an integrative essay (bringing together coursework completed in their Track) or a research essay (conducting further research on a topic related to their Track.

OR History 498 (Honors thesis). An independent research thesis may be completed under the direction of any consenting instructor in the department, but projects are coordinated by the department chair. Required of and limited to senior honors candidates in History or History-Environmental Studies. Prerequisite: admission to honors candidacy.

History faculty, variable credit

• History major: senior-assessment requirements