HIST 499: RS: Senior Seminar in History

HIST 499-002: Senior Seminar: Technology and Identity
(Fall 2025)

10:30 AM to 11:45 AM MW

Blue Ridge Hall 127

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Section Information for Fall 2025

Today, we debate how we should develop, use, or perhaps reject new technologies, from ChatGPT and military drones to Covid tests and induction stoves. In this section of HIST 499, students will ask how previous generations made choices about once-new technologies of the nineteenth and twentieth centuries. They will explore specialized periodicals—aimed at both producers and consumers of technology—to trace discoveries, debates, and decisions about technology and identity. And they will develop core skills of research, writing, and analysis. 

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Course Information from the University Catalog

Credits: 3

Research on specialized historical topic culminating in seminar paper and oral presentation. Synthesis course; students expected to integrate knowledge and skills acquired in Mason Core courses. Notes: Subject determined by instructor. Student may present no more than 3 credits for graduation credit. Must receive passing grade to graduate with BA in history. Offered by History & Art History. Limited to three attempts.
Mason Core: Mason Core, Mason Apex, Writing Intensive in Major
Specialized Designation: Research/Scholarship Intensive, Topic Varies
Recommended Prerequisite: History majors with 90 credits
Registration Restrictions:

Required Prerequisites: (HIST 300C or 300XS) and (ENGH 302C, ENGL 302C, ENGH 302XS, HNRS 110C, 110XS, 210C, 302C or 302XS).
C Requires minimum grade of C.
XS Requires minimum grade of XS.

Enrollment is limited to students with a major in History.

Schedule Type: Seminar
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.