Introduction to Public History

Catalog description

Many, if not most, Americans get their history from non-academic sources, from films, museums, exhibitions, and from national mythologies passed down in culture. These sites provide both opportunities to reach broader audiences but also challenges when it comes to historical interpretation. Whose history should be presented? Who or what is included and who or what is left out, and why? What are the standards used to portray "accurate" history? What are the social and political factors involved in creating these sites? The various ways history is transmitted to the public and the issues and possibilities associated with these methods are discussed. A focus is placed on historical sites in Baltimore and the United States. Students propose their own public history projects.