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.

Outlines

00:00

📚 Introduction to Historiography and Historical Research Methods

The speaker begins by welcoming the audience to a webinar focused on the differences between historiography and historical research methods, emphasizing their foundational importance within the graduate history program. The webinar aims to clarify the distinction between these two crucial courses. Historiography is described as an in-depth exploration of the study of history and historical writing, focusing on the craft and profession of history and its societal relevance. It involves understanding the evolution of historical interpretations and the impact of historical metanarratives. Students are tasked with evaluating their own thinking in relation to various historical analyses and defending their preferred approach. The speaker simplifies this by stating that historiography is essentially 'the history of history,' focusing on the development of the discipline of history and how historians interpret historical events. The speaker clarifies that historiography does not involve studying historical topics or figures directly but rather how historians approach and interpret these subjects. Secondary sources become primary in historiography as students engage with the works of other historians to understand changing interpretations. An example is provided with Andrew Jackson, where the focus is on how historians have interpreted him over time, rather than on Jackson's life events.

05:00

🔍 Distinguishing Historiography from Historical Research Methods

The speaker transitions to discussing the second course, historical research methods, highlighting its focus on the various methodological approaches used by historians in their study, analysis, and evaluation of historical accounts and sources. The course encourages students to explore these approaches and their interplay with theory and interpretation. Students are expected to design a research proposal that demonstrates how a chosen methodology is suitable for addressing the central issues of their research. The speaker uses the Women's Rights Movement as an example to illustrate the selection of appropriate methodologies, such as women's history or gender history, based on the research focus. The speaker also addresses the final projects for each course, clarifying that while they may seem similar, they serve different purposes. In historiography, the focus is on the interpretation of historical figures over time, whereas in historical research methods, the focus is on proposing new research that fills a gap in current understanding, utilizing a specific methodological approach. The speaker concludes by emphasizing the importance of understanding the differences between these two courses for the success of students in their graduate history program and beyond, encouraging students to seek clarification if they have any confusion.

Keywords

💡Historiography

Historiography refers to the study of the methods of historians in different periods and the changing nature of historical interpretations. It is the examination of how history is written, by whom, and for what purposes. In the context of the video, historiography is described as 'the history of history,' focusing on the evolution of historical thought and the reasons behind different interpretations of historical events or figures. The example of Andrew Jackson's changing interpretations by historians illustrates how historiography looks at the evolution of historical analysis over time.

💡Historical Research Methods

Historical Research Methods pertain to the various approaches and techniques used by historians to analyze and interpret historical sources and accounts. This includes the selection of appropriate methodologies to address specific historical questions or problems. The video emphasizes that this course is not about the content of history itself but rather the strategies and theoretical frameworks that guide historical inquiry. The distinction is made clear by contrasting it with historiography, where the focus is on the interpretation rather than the methodological approach.

💡Historical Interpretations

Historical interpretations are the different ways in which historians analyze and present historical events or figures based on the available evidence and their perspectives. The video discusses how historiography deals with these changing interpretations, questioning why they evolve and how they shape our understanding of history. The example of differing views on Andrew Jackson by various historians highlights the subjective nature of historical interpretation.

💡Metanarratives

Metanarratives are overarching stories or themes that provide a framework for understanding historical events and periods. In the video, metanarratives are mentioned as influential factors in shaping one's understanding and experience of history. They are the grand narratives that historians use to connect and interpret historical events within a broader context.

💡Methodology

Methodology in historical research refers to the systematic approaches used to study the past, including the selection of sources, the application of theories, and the analytical techniques employed. The video underscores the importance of methodology in historical research methods, emphasizing that historians must choose and justify the methods they use to ensure their research is relevant and rigorous.

💡Research Proposal

A research proposal is a document that outlines the objectives, methods, and significance of a proposed research project. In the context of the video, the research proposal is a key component of the historical research methods course, where students are tasked with designing a research project that demonstrates their understanding of appropriate methodologies and their ability to address historical questions.

💡Primary Sources

Primary sources are original materials that provide direct or firsthand evidence about an event or topic. In historiography, as explained in the video, secondary sources (works by other historians) become the primary sources for analysis, as the focus is on how historians have interpreted and presented history.

💡Secondary Sources

Secondary sources are works that analyze or interpret primary sources. In the video, it is noted that in historiography, secondary sources are crucial as they are the products of other historians' work, which are then analyzed for their interpretations and methodologies.

💡Graduate History Program

The Graduate History Program is an advanced academic program for students pursuing a deeper understanding of historical studies. The video emphasizes that the courses in historiography and historical research methods are foundational to this program, providing students with the necessary skills and knowledge to engage in historical research and analysis at an advanced level.

💡Discipline

In the context of the video, 'discipline' refers to the academic field of history as a structured form of knowledge with its own rules, methodologies, and practices. The importance of understanding historiography and historical research methods is highlighted as they form the basis for engaging with the discipline of history both during the program and in future professional endeavors.

Highlights

Webinar introduction to historiography and historical research methods as foundational graduate history courses.

Historiography defined as the study of history and historical writing, focusing on the craft and profession of history.

Emphasis on the changing nature of historical interpretations and the role of metanarratives in historiography.

Students are tasked with positioning and evaluating their own thinking in relation to various historical analyses.

Historiography described as the history of history, focusing on how history works and why interpretations exist.

Historiography does not study historical topics or biographies but rather the interpretation and analysis by historians.

Secondary sources are primary in historiography as they deal with the work of other historians.

Example of historiography: Analyzing how historians have interpreted Andrew Jackson over time.

Historical research methods course focuses on various methodological approaches in historical research.

Students will design an initial research proposal in historical research methods.

Emphasis on the method in historical research methods, including how to approach a historical topic.

Example of historical research methods: Using women's history and gender history lenses for the Women's Rights Movement.

Distinct final projects for historiography and historical research methods to display competency in covered material.

Historiography final project focuses on interpretation, not the history of an event.

Historical research methods final project involves a research proposal arguing the need for and the novelty of the research.

The importance of understanding the differences between the two courses for a strong foundation in the graduate history program.

Encouragement for students to seek clarification from instructors or post questions in the learning community.

Transcripts

SPEAKER: Well, hello.

And I'd like to welcome you to our webinar

to discuss the differences between historiography

and historical research methods.

These are two very important courses

within the graduate history program,

as they are foundational to everything else

that you will do within the program.

While they are ultimately extremely important in having

an understanding of your work as you move out

into the discipline, it is within these two courses

in which everything else that you will ultimately

do, both now and beyond, is built upon.

Which means they are extremely important to have

an understanding of both courses and also the difference

that is present between each course.

So as we begin, I thought it would be best

to take a look at the course description of each course.

And we'll start with historiography,

discuss what it is, and then move

to historical research methods.

Historiography provides a deep level exploration

into the study of history and historical writing,

focusing on the craft and profession

of history and its relationship to society.

The course contends with the changing nature

of historical interpretations and arguments

and the role of historical metanarratives

in shaping one's understanding and experience of history.

Students are asked to position and evaluate

their own thinking in relation to various historical analysis,

defending a preferred approach to a relevant area of interest.

So I can sum all that up by stating historiography

is the history of history.

What do I mean when I say the history of history?

Well, if we look at that course description,

we focus on ideas such as the deep-level exploration

into the study of history, evaluating your own thinking

in relation to various historical analysis,

and even defending a preferred approach.

That is a focus on the history of history.

In other words, we focus on how history

works and, ultimately, why we have the interpretations that

will do.

And when we say this idea of studying

the history of history, it also relates

to studying how the discipline of history has developed.

One key element to focus on within historiography

is the fact that, in historiography, we

do not study historical topics or biographies of great people

in history.

In other words, we are not focused on the topic

as it relates to what happened.

And I'll provide an example of this in a second.

But we are focusing more on how historians do history.

What is the interpretation?

What is the analysis?

And why have they changed?

And if we put this in perspective with an example,

in historiography we can focus on that idea

and interpretations.

How has it been presented throughout history?

Why have interpretations changed over time?

And why is it important to note?

We also, in historiography, draw connections

between different historical interpretations.

For, example what one author and what a historian might

have stated on the topic differs from another historian

on the same topic.

Why is that?

What is different as it relates to the work of both,

and why is their interpretation different?

Also in historiography, secondary sources

are your primary sources.

As you're dealing with the work of other historians

that have written on the topic, you

are utilizing primary sources.

This allows us to focus on those changing interpretations

and explaining why they are significant.

Now, as I mentioned, we'd have an example.

So we're going to focus on Andrew

Jackson in historiography.

We would not study Andrew Jackson, the man.

We would not look at anything that Andrew Jackson did

in his life from his time in the Battle of New Orleans,

or living in Tennessee, or in the White House, OK?

We are not focused on what he did as an individual, any

of his accomplishments, or any of the issues surrounding

Andrew Jackson, the man.

What we would look at with Andrew Jackson

in historiography is how have historians

interpreted Andrew Jackson.

So in other words, we're going to look at individuals, maybe,

such as Jon Meacham and Robert V. Remini

and other historians and authors of the written on Jackson,

and what are their interpretations of Jackson?

Are they the same?

Why has the view, if it has, of Andrew Jackson

changed over history, changed?

What's different?

Do they have differing source bases,

or are they writing from a different perspective, whatever

the case may be.

As you can see, we're focusing on the interpretation

of Jackson, not, as I referenced, Jackson, the man.

This is a research paper that you

would write in historiography as it

relates to these ideas and the overall interpretation

of your topic.

So again, historiography is focusing on the interpretation

and why the interpretation has changed,

and it's a research paper.

Now, as we move to the second course

that we're discussing tonight, which

is historical research methods.

The course description states "Historians

use a wide variety of methods and approaches

to the study, analysis, and evaluation

of historical accounts and sources.

This course offers students an opportunity

to investigate various methodological approaches

and the relationships between method, theory,

and interpretation in historical research.

Students will design an initial research proposal

and articulate how a chosen methodology positions

them appropriately to address the central issues and problems

of their research."

So when we focus on historical research methods,

we are focusing on the various methodological approaches

that are utilized in historical research.

And I, purposely, wanted to pull that statement out

of that course description to place the focus on the method.

OK?

We are looking at the method in historical research methods.

Now what do we mean when we say method?

Well, how do we want to approach a particular historical topic?

This is where the methodology comes into play.

And sometimes these are also referred

to as lenses of history.

So if we're going to use the Women's Rights

Movement as an example, we would have

to determine whether or not it was

appropriate to utilize both women's history and gender

history in your approach?

What is your focus, and why are you

making the case that your research is needed

as it relates to developing the research

proposal that we would look at in historical research methods?

Again, the focus is on the method.

Now, each course has a final project.

The purpose is to display competency

in the material covered.

And each project is very different.

And it's important to note that because sometimes students

get confused as it relates to what the projects are

and whether or not they can focus

on the same topic for both courses.

Well, it all depends.

You have to remember, in historiography,

you're focusing on that interpretation.

So in other words, of going back to our example of Andrew

Jackson, how has the interpretation of Jackson

changed over time?

In historical research methods, with that research proposal,

you are making the case for why your research is needed

and making the case for how your research will

differ as it relates to focusing on the method.

Now, the final paper, as we talked about in historiography,

does focus on interpretation, not the history of an event.

OK.

And I can't emphasize that enough because, if we think

about historiography, and if we're writing a research

paper, and again, utilizing our example Andrew Jackson,

and we're focusing on everything that Andrew Jackson did

in his life, that is not a historiographic paper.

That is a research paper.

Rather, our focus needs to be on how Andrew Jackson has been

interpreted in history and how those interpretations have

changed for historiography.

For historical research methods, this is where, as I referenced,

you're going to complete your research proposal, in which you

propose research.

Again, you make the case for why research is needed.

You make the case for how your research will differ.

And you will not complete the research.

So if we still wanted to focus on our topic of Andrew Jackson,

for example, as it relates to our research proposal,

this is where you would have to make the case for why

your research is needed.

How will your research differ?

What gap is present within current research

that your research will fill?

And what method will you utilize within your research?

So two very, very important courses

that are very distinct within their overall focus.

As I referenced, they also serve as that foundation

upon which your graduate history program is built upon

and your overall career working within the discipline

is also built on.

That is one of the things that makes them so very

important to understanding.

So it is imperative that you understand the differences

between these two courses.

If you experience confusion, please visit

with your instructor or post your questions

in the learning community soon.

It is vital that we clear up any confusion that you have,

and we do want to help you.

So if you have questions, again, don't hesitate to reach out.

We are more than happy to assist in any way that we can.