HIST 300: Introduction to Historical Method

HIST 300-002: Third Reich & the Holocaust
(Spring 2011)

01:30 PM to 04:15 PM T

Research Hall 202

Section Information for Spring 2011

Unlike most history courses, this course’s primary objective is for you to understand the methods by which historians discover and write about the past. While we will focus on the history of Nazi Germany and the Holocaust during part of the semester, this emphasis will be by way of example; the methods and documents we will use could as easily be applied to other periods and areas of history. You will be reading and discussing various approaches taken by historians in understanding and interpreting the past as well as using a guide to the study and writing of history. Additionally, you will learn specific methods of research, using bibliographic aids, on-line sources and search engines in finding primary and secondary sources for a required research paper. Assignments, in addition to an oral presentation and discussions, include writing a short (8-10 pages) term paper using the research and writing skills acquired. This exercise should prepare you for papers in other courses, including the senior seminar (History 499). The topic: “Third Reich and the Holocaust” will be offered as a senior seminar in the fall of 2011. This course fulfills in part the Writing-Intensive requirement for the major in History.

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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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