HIST 300: Introduction to Historical Method

HIST 300-DL1: Introduction to Historical Method: Vietnam War in Local History
(Spring 2026)

03:00 PM to 04:15 PM TR

Online

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Section Information for Spring 2026

This iteration of Introduction to Historical Methods will teach the basics of historical research and writing by examining the impact of the Vietnam War on our local community, meaning the Washington, DC, metro area, including the Mason campus. Our focus will be on connecting an international event to local experiences and ramifications, by using sources like newspapers, yearbooks, personal narratives, and documents related to the military service and political activism of area residents. Students who can access the GMU campus may do research in the GMU Library’s Special Collections Research Center, but students who cannot come to campus will still be able to conduct research in digitized online materials. All students, regardless of where they are in the world, should have access to and borrowing privileges from a lending library, to fulfill their research obligations in the course. Our online, synchronous class sessions will be a cameras-on mix of lecture, discussion, and workshopping student projects. The experience will be brisk, lively, and engaging!

This is an online live video section.

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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. Offered by History & Art History. Limited to three attempts.
Mason Core: Mason Core, Mason Apex, Writing Intensive in Major
Specialized Designation: Mason Impact., Topic Varies
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.

The University Catalog is the authoritative source for information on courses. The Schedule of Classes is the authoritative source for information on classes scheduled for this semester. See the Schedule for the most up-to-date information and see Patriot web to register for classes.