HIST 101: Introduction to Historical Thinking & Analysis

This course is designed to introduce students to the discipline of history, to the way in which primary sources are used to assemble historical narratives and explanations. The course introduces the student to the basic skills of historical thought and analysis, how to read and understand sources, to weigh evidence, evaluate it and place it in a larger context, and to explain why and how past events happened. Each section of the class will be focused upon a particular person, event or theme that will allow students to examine primary and secondary sources and to use the former to evaluate the latter as a means to developing the skills appropriate to a beginning student of history.