HUX 501 - Defining the Humanities: History

[Note to the Student] [On History: Many Views]

Clio was figured by the ancients as the eldest daughter of Memory, and the Chief of the Muses. History... is the first distinct product of man's spiritual nature; his earliest expression of what can be called thought. - Thomas Carlyle, "On History" (1830)

This course is designed to help graduate students understand the fundamental concepts and principles of the study of history. It introduces students to the classic theoretical approaches to history and how to use them to study history. Finally, it helps students see the importance of understanding the current state of research on a given topic as the basis for doing research and advancing a scholarly argument in that topic.

Several HUX historians share the responsibility for teaching HUX 501, so sure to read the faculty letter of introduction accompanying the course guide for information from and about your instructor for this term and section of the course. Any additional instructions or requirements he or she presents supersede this course guide. If you did not receive a letter of introduction from your faculty member, contact the HUX office immediately to request a replacement.

Each assignment is due in the instructor’s mailbox by Friday of the due week (unless otherwise indicated by the instructor for your section of 501). Count Week 1 as the first week that classes begin and Week 15 as the final week of the term. Trimester dates are listed in your registration materials and on the HUX Calendar webpage (www.csudh.edu/hux/calendar.html).

All papers must be typed in 12-point Times Roman or an equivalent font, and double-spaced. Include footnotes and bibliographies where appropriate. Send papers directly to the instructor of your section (see the information accompanying this course guide for instructor and department address). Send in an extra copy, marked “HUX File Copy,” and keep a copy for yourself. If you send and receive your essay by regular mail, keep the graded copy of each assignment. Send a self-addressed, stamped (with adequate postage) envelope for the return of each assignment unless you are able to or required to send the assignment via email (see instructor letter). If you do not fully understand the assignment or need help, telephone the instructor during office hours, or email or mail in your questions.