Historiography and Historical Research Methods - What is the Difference? CC

Summary

This webinar distinguishes between historiography and historical research methods, crucial for graduate history students. Historiography explores the evolution of historical interpretations and the discipline's development, focusing on how historians interpret history rather than the events themselves. In contrast, historical research methods emphasize various approaches to analyzing historical sources, requiring students to design a research proposal. The webinar clarifies the unique objectives of each course to build a strong foundation for historical studies.

Takeaways

• 📚 The webinar introduces two crucial graduate history courses: historiography and historical research methods, which are foundational to the discipline.
• 🎯 Historiography is described as the 'history of history,' focusing on the evolution of historical interpretations and the role of historical metanarratives.
• 🤔 It emphasizes the importance of understanding how historians approach and interpret historical events, rather than the events themselves.
• 📖 In historiography, students are tasked with evaluating historical analyses and defending their own interpretations within a historical context.
• 👀 The course challenges students to consider different perspectives and how these have changed over time, using secondary sources as primary materials.
• 🔍 An example used is the historiographical study of Andrew Jackson, focusing on how historians have interpreted him rather than his actual life events.
• 📈 Historical research methods course explores various methodological approaches to studying, analyzing, and evaluating historical sources.
• 📝 Students in this course design a research proposal, outlining their chosen methodology and its relevance to their research question.
• 📋 The course highlights the significance of method in historical research, often referred to as 'lenses of history,' and how it shapes the study of historical topics.
• 📑 The final projects for each course are distinct, with historiography focusing on interpretation and historical research methods on methodological research proposals.
• 💡 The webinar emphasizes the importance of understanding the differences between the two courses for a strong foundation in historical studies and future career in the discipline.

Q & A

What are the two courses discussed in the webinar?

The two courses discussed are historiography and historical research methods.

Why are these two courses considered foundational within the graduate history program?

They are foundational because they form the basis for everything else within the program and are crucial for understanding one's work as they move into the discipline.

What does the term 'historiography' refer to in the context of the webinar?

Historiography refers to the history of history, focusing on the study of history and historical writing, the craft and profession of history, and its relationship to society.

How does the course on historiography approach the study of historical interpretations?

It deals with the changing nature of historical interpretations and arguments, and the role of historical metanarratives in shaping understanding and experience of history.

What is an example of a topic that would not be studied in historiography?

In historiography, one would not study the biographical details or specific historical events of a figure like Andrew Jackson, but rather how historians have interpreted him.

What role do secondary sources play in historiography?

Secondary sources are the primary sources in historiography, as they are the works of other historians that are being analyzed for changing interpretations.

What is the focus of the historical research methods course?

The focus is on the various methodological approaches used in historical research, including the relationships between method, theory, and interpretation.

How does the historical research methods course differ from historiography in terms of final projects?

In historical research methods, the final project is a research proposal where students make a case for why their research is needed and how it will differ, focusing on the methodological approach.

What is the key difference between the final projects in historiography and historical research methods?

In historiography, the final project focuses on the interpretation of historical figures and how those interpretations have changed over time. In contrast, historical research methods require a research proposal that emphasizes the need for the research and the methodological approach to be used.

Why is it important for students to understand the differences between these two courses?

Understanding the differences is crucial because these courses serve as the foundation for the graduate history program and the students' future work within the discipline.

What should students do if they experience confusion about the courses?

Students should visit with their instructor or post questions in the learning community to clear up any confusion and receive assistance.