HIST 300: Introduction to Historical Method

HIST 300-004: Western Europe after Rome to AD 1000
(Fall 2014)

01:30 PM to 04:10 PM R

Section Information for Fall 2014

The aim of this course is to introduce students to the methods of historical interpretation through a careful consideration of some of the key narrative histories produced in western Europe roughly between AD 400 and 900. The course will pivot around a detailed examination of the work of Gregory of Tours, with somewhat shorter sections on Eusebius, Augustine, Orosius, Fredegar, Paul the Deacon, and the eighth- and ninth-century Frankish annalists. Among the questions we will consider are tradition and innovation in historical writing, methods and genres, the memory of the lost Roman Empire and the imagination of the new political order, the meaning of time, the hand of the divine in historical events, and expectations about the end of historical time. Requirements include discussion of primary and secondary sources, oral presentations, a series of methodological exercises, and a research paper.

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Course Information from the University Catalog

Credits: 3

Introduces research skills and methods, as well as historical interpretation, culminating in written and oral presentations. Notes: Topics vary according to instructor. History majors strongly urged to take HIST 300 as soon as possible after reaching 30 credits. Grade of C or better is required to graduate with BA in history. Students may repeat HIST 300 only with permission from the Department of History and Art History and repetitions are limited. Limited to three attempts.
Mason Core: Synthesis
Specialized Designation: Mason Impact., Topic Varies, Writing Intensive in Major
Recommended Prerequisite: History majors with 30 credits or permission of instructor.
Registration Restrictions:

Enrollment is limited to students with a major in History.

Schedule Type: Lecture
Grading:
This course is graded on the Undergraduate Regular scale.

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