This course tackles the history of history, i.e., historiography, as it has developed in Europe and the United States. My goal is to deepen students’ understanding of the development of history per se and to sharpen students’ skills in analyzing the concerns, assumptions, goals, and techniques that shape how we perceive and write about the past. To that end, we focus on four main concerns: the nature and use of sources; the intended audience; the purpose of the history; the presentation and style. I have chosen readings that facilitate our discussion of the above four points, represent key moments in the art and discipline of history, and are, I hope! interesting to read.
- Professor: Susan Glosser