Course Rationale and Objectives

Rationale: A major objective of the Historical Studies program is to improve the ability of teachers to deliver History content effectively and accurately. Because of technology, current educational trends and various consulting businesses (both for profit and non-profit) that serve public education, teachers increasingly are encouraged to “bring history alive” for their students through direct exposure to historic places and sites that interpret history. Sometimes this exposure occurs through direct contact and other times through virtual tours and experiences. However, it is often difficult to separate accurate historical representation from oversimplified or biased representations. This limits the effectiveness of teaching with place. This course will provide direct experience with particular places as well as concepts that develop the analytical tools necessary to assess the efficacy of other historic sites or museums for classroom teaching.

History 523: History & Place allows teachers to visit places that interpret history (memorials, monuments, museums and historical sites) as a means to analyze and discuss how history is presented at those places. Through participation in this course, teachers will:
1.) Engage in research regarding historic places prior to visiting those places, thereby developing research skills that can be applied in their own teaching.
2.) Recognize how interpretative sites frame and contextualize historical events, trends and actors.
3.) Create teaching modules that can accurately use place to teach history