Class assignments will include writing and responding to reviews of books read, a variety of other written assignments, and active participation in weekly discussions. Students will be expected as well to write a substantial historiographical essay on a topic to be decided in conjunction with the instructor. This course fulfills the University's second writing requirement. In exceptional circumstances and with the permission of a faculty member any student may undertake a rigorous program of independent study designed to explore a subject not currently being taught or to expand upon regular offerings. Independent Study projects may not be used to replace regularly scheduled classes.
Enrollment is open to majors or non-majors.
It is open only to members of the departmental program for Distinguished Majors . For information on the program, apply to the Program Director, Mr. Alon Confino. This course combines philosophy of history with a history of historical writing and thinking. Philosophy of history has been a lively field in recent years, with relevance not only to history but to such other disciplines as anthropology, literary studies, religious studies, art history, and philosophy. The course focuses primarily on past and contemporary theories of historical writing and research.