The principal aim of this course is to prepare students to write a capstone/thesis in history (in either the History 102 or 101A/101B seminars). To that end, its goals are (i) to introduce students to the methods and craft of history; (ii) to model approaches to the discipline of history and provide exposure to methods in lecture; and (iii) to provide ample opportunity in discussion sections to practice and hone these methods. The course is offered in fall and spring semesters, and is designed to precede the required 103 and 101/102 seminars.

How is history created? This course is designed to welcome students into the History major and prepare them to research and write a capstone/thesis in history (in either the History 102 or 101A/101B seminars). To that end its goals are (i) to introduce students to the methods and practices of history and historians; (ii) to explore a variety of approaches to the discipline and discuss them in lecture; and (iii) to provide opportunities in section to practice and hone historical methods and techniques. You will learn both how to think like historians and how to “do” history—by which we mean how to ask historical questions and go about answering them. More than other history courses you have taken at UC Berkeley, or will take, this course is focused on active learning and skill acquisition. The syllabus is structured according to the historian’s process, beginning with how to ask historical questions, moving through how to locate primary sources, how to analyze them, and how to write new histories for either public or academic audiences. Lectures and sections will familiarize you with different approaches and methods, and will give you the tools to construct your own historical research projects.

Repeat Rules

Course is not repeatable for credit.

Requirements class fulfills