Introduction to Public History

Catalog description

This course presents the field of Public History, which is the application of academic historical knowledge for presentation to the general public in a manner that enhances the public's understanding of historical change. It gives students the skills to think about and write local history, by exploring the bases for historical analysis through evaluation of primary-source documents and familiarity with secondary historical interpretations. Through service-learning projects, students will serve community partners such as the Fairfield Museum and History Center, the Bridgeport Public Library Historical Collections, and the Barnum Museum, by contributing historical research, designing exhibitions, and preparing curriculum lesson plans.