Introductory Seminars

Usually offered once every third semester. If possible, they should be taken in order. However, this is not a requirement.

• 6381: Readings in Public History (3 credits): Introduction to the major venues and audiences of public history, professional opportunities for public historians, and ethical issues and problems facing historians in the course of their work.

Public History Courses

The following courses are offered periodically and fulfill the public history course requirement:

• 6382: Research in Public History (3 credits): Application of historical techniques and methods to either individual or team research projects normally conducted within the Houston community. The course also may include discussion of research and writing theory. May be repeated for credit when topics vary.
• 6383: Topics in Public History (3 credits): Application of methods of public history to public policy, business decision making, community studies, cultural resources management, historical editing, and related themes. The course may be repeated for credit when topics vary.
• 6384: Oral History (3 credits): Oral history as a research tool: selecting subjects, interviewing, transcribing, editing, and interpreting interviews. Legal and ethical aspects of oral history also will be discussed.

Students are also encouraged to consider non-history courses in related fields. Public history students may explore courses offered in such programs such as Architecture, Communications, Art History, Education, Public Policy, Comparative Cultural Studies, and Modern and Classical Languages, with the consent of the instructor.  All non-history courses must be approved by the Director in advance.