Advanced Seminar in History: Moments in Time
Course Description
Summary
This advanced seminar offers students the opportunity to pursue a term-long project in history. Asking the historian’s three basic questions – why this? why here? and why now? – each student will be able to do a deep dive into their chosen piece of the past. For some, this will be the venue for writing their SCT senior theses. For others, this will be the place where they can produce a historical project appropriate to their Plan. Writing will take place throughout term, and all students in this seminar will receive weekly feedback. The term’s work will culminate in a substantial research paper (length appropriate to the student’s Plan).
Learning Outcomes
- Students taking this course will engage with the joy of doing good history. Specifically, they will:
1. Learn about one facet of the multifaceted, never-ending, and eternally surprising realities of the past.
2. Learn how to respectfully analyze historical facts and documents through an understanding of those who made them.
3. Learn how to express those respectful analyses in writing.
Prerequisites
Previous coursework in History, plus permission of instructor.
Interested students must email Carol Pal (cpal@bennington.edu) by NOVEMBER 13 to express interest. The email must include a one- or two-page proposal outlining: a) the focus of the project; b) research and writing accomplished so far; and c) how this historical project relates to the student’s Plan.
Students admitted to class will be notified by email by November 17.