HIST 300: Introduction to Historical Method

HIST 300-002: Introduction to Historical Method: Hiroshima in History and Memory
(Spring 2026)

10:30 AM to 01:10 PM W

Angel Cabrera Global Center 1306B

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Section Information for Spring 2026

This course is designed to train students to think and write as historians. Students will learn to develop research questions, find and analyze both primary and secondary sources, organize their thoughts into arguments that are supported by evidence, and present those arguments effectively in both written and oral forms. Students will also learn to acknowledge their intellectual debts through proper citations ("Chicago-style” is the standard citation format in the discipline).  

We will pursue these learning goals through a topical focus on the bombing of Hiroshima and Nagasaki at the end of World War Two. We will focus principally on the decision by U.S. authorities to use nuclear weapons against Japan, but will also deal with the Japanese experience of the bombings and their impact on postwar politics and culture in both countries.

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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.