HIST 300: Introduction to Historical Method

HIST 300-004: Oral History of the Appalachian Trail
(Fall 2026)

01:30 PM to 04:10 PM T

Angel Cabrera Global Center 1306B

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Section Information for Fall 2026

This course is designed as an applied history research course that trains students to be oral and public historians. In collaboration with the Potomac Appalachian Trail Club (PATC), students will research, prepare, conduct, and present a set of oral history interviews focusing on the history of the Appalachian Trail. At the same time, students will learn how to develop analytical historical presentations in a variety of formats designed for public audiences. The coursework, including the oral histories, will be part of a historical storytelling initiative documenting the social, environmental, political and cultural history of the Appalachian Trail and the Potomac Appalachian Trail Club (PATC). Drawing on the Appalachian Trail Conservancy Archives, located at George Mason Library’s Special Collections Research Center, and on other archival collections, students will learn how to locate and critically analyze primary and secondary sources while developing effective analytical historical presentations that speak to broader audiences. Readings and discussions will focus on the history and practice of oral and public history, on the history of the environment and public lands, on Native American History, on the history of volunteering, and on the history of Northern Virginia. This hands-on course welcomes hikers and non-hikers alike and will provide students with a set of skills that they can draw upon and use in their academic and professional careers, including qualitative interviewing and presentation skills

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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, 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.