"How is history useful for understanding the present? How is our contemporary world ""historical,"" and how do historical concepts help us see ourselves and our situations differently? This class tackles these questions by applying historical thinking to the burning issues and cultural hot spots of today. Racism, pandemics, electoral systems, policing, sexuality/gender, religion, media, and the environment all have unexpected pasts. We will explore these, and whatever pressing issues arise in the next few months (who knows!), using history to illuminate their underlying premises.

This class introduces students to complex historical thinking in a relevant and engaging way. There are no prerequisites, and students from all over the college and from other schools are welcome and will be taking the class. Four short writing assignments and participation in discussions will be the basis of the grade."

Course Requirements:

Four short writing assignments.

Intended Audience:

Non-majors and potential majors, students from all colleges and schools.

Class Format:

Lecture and discussion.