HIST 300: Introduction to Historical Method

HIST 300-002: Postwar US: 1945-1975
(Fall 2026)

10:30 AM to 01:10 PM T

Innovation Hall 338

View the schedule of classes

Section Information for Fall 2026

This course is designed to train students to think and write as historians. Students will learn to develop research questions, find and analyze primary and secondary sources, organize their thoughts into evidence-based arguments, 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 United States in the Postwar era (1945-1975). We will focus on the historical trends of this period, including the Cold War era and the rise of McCarthyism, suburbanization, and the economic boom of the postwar era. the modern African American civil rights movement; the 1960s counterculture; and the emergence of “Identity Politics” such as the American Indian Movement, the Women’s movement, and the LGBTQ+ Rights movement.

View 2 Other Sections of this Course in this Semester »

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, 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.