49-2676 Public History: Presenting & Interpreting the Past

This course introduces students to the field of Public History, ?a set of theories, methods, assumptions, and practices guiding the identification, preservation, interpretation, and presentation of historical artifacts, texts, structures, and landscapes in conjunction with and for the public.? (Public History Resource Center) Through field trips, readings, lectures and films, students explore how various stakeholders, both non-profit and commercial, conceive and convey history for public consumption. This is a Writing Intensive class that requires students to apply a range of writing styles to respond to materials presented throughout the semester. The course is ?hands-on? and takes full advantage of Columbia?s city campus through visits to museums, cultural institutions, architectural sites, historical monuments, libraries, etc.

3 Credits
WI HI