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Catherine Clarke
This course introduces learners to applied public history: understanding and interpreting the past today, and engaging diverse communities in the practice of making and sharing histories. The course draws on project case studies, expert insights and diverse perspectives to model exciting approaches to researching and sharing the history of places and people. Learners will develop a toolkit to apply in their own practice, by participating in discussion, quizzes, creative activities and mini masterclasses.
Read more
This course introduces learners to applied public history: understanding and interpreting the past today, and engaging diverse communities in the practice of making and sharing histories. The course draws on project case studies, expert insights and diverse perspectives to model exciting approaches to researching and sharing the history of places and people. Learners will develop a toolkit to apply in their own practice, by participating in discussion, quizzes, creative activities and mini masterclasses.
Read more
This course introduces learners to applied public history: understanding and interpreting the past today, and engaging diverse communities in the practice of making and sharing histories. The course draws on project case studies, expert insights and diverse perspectives to model exciting approaches to researching and sharing the history of places and people. Learners will develop a toolkit to apply in their own practice, by participating in discussion, quizzes, creative activities and mini masterclasses.
What kinds of stories can we discover through research into the history of places and people? How do we engage diverse communities with those stories today? What kinds of imaginative approaches can we use to interpret the past? And what tools and opportunities can we create to include new groups and individuals in local research initiatives? Led by the Centre for the History of People, Place and Community at the Institute of Historical Research, University of London – the UK’s national centre for history – this course investigates these questions and helps learners develop transferable approaches to their own local history and heritage interpretation.
Register for this course and see more details by visiting:
OpenCourser.com/course/eyugo0/applied
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What's inside
Syllabus
Your Place
In this first week, we’ll meet the course presenters, and explore place and history with help from Historic England, Layers of London and others. How do we get a sense of the history and heritage of a place, and how can we involve our communities in understanding the historic environment? We’ll look at the professional practice of describing historic places and buildings, as well as what maps can reveal about place and history – with special access to historic maps in the Institute of Historical Research archive, and reflections on 'deep mapping' in the crowdsourced Layers of London project. There's also a chance for you to introduce yourself: the first step in forming our virtual community and sharing our varied experiences and expertise.
Read more
Syllabus
Your Place
In this first week, we’ll meet the course presenters, and explore place and history with help from Historic England, Layers of London and others. How do we get a sense of the history and heritage of a place, and how can we involve our communities in understanding the historic environment? We’ll look at the professional practice of describing historic places and buildings, as well as what maps can reveal about place and history – with special access to historic maps in the Institute of Historical Research archive, and reflections on 'deep mapping' in the crowdsourced Layers of London project. There's also a chance for you to introduce yourself: the first step in forming our virtual community and sharing our varied experiences and expertise.
Read more
Traffic lights
Traffic lights
Read about what's good
what should give you pause and
possible dealbreakers
Develops skills and knowledge necessary for engaging diverse communities through the practice of public history
Teaches methods for understanding and interpreting the past in the present, enabling learners to share histories in impactful ways
Provides a comprehensive overview of applied public history, covering various approaches to researching, sharing, and interpreting history
Taught by experts at the Institute of Historical Research, University of London, known for their contributions to history
Utilizes a variety of materials and activities, including case studies, quizzes, creative exercises, and masterclasses, to foster engagement
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Reviews summary
Applied public history: engaging communities & stories
According to learners, 'Applied Public History: Places, People, Stories' is a largely positive and comprehensive introduction to its field. Students frequently praise the insightful case studies and real-world examples, noting how the course broadens perspectives on community engagement. The instructors are consistently described as knowledgeable and passionate, effectively conveying complex ideas. While many appreciate the thought-provoking content and emphasis on diverse storytelling, some learners, particularly those with a professional background, desired more in-depth practical methodologies or hands-on assignments beyond its foundational scope. Overall, it's considered an invaluable toolkit for anyone interested in applying history.
Led by knowledgeable and passionate experts.
"The instructors were passionate and very knowledgeable."
"The instructors are clearly experts and convey complex ideas simply."
"Kudos to the University of London team for creating this course."
Course encourages creative thinking and active participation.
"The discussions were lively, and the creative activities pushed me to think differently about historical interpretation."
"I particularly enjoyed the creative practice module and the emphasis on diverse storytelling."
"The exercises encouraged critical thinking and provided a space for sharing our own experiences."
Emphasizes inclusive approaches to involving diverse communities.
"It truly broadened my perspective on how to engage communities with local history."
"The emphasis on co-production and transforming audiences into active researchers was a game-changer."
"The focus on inclusivity and diverse perspectives stood out, showing how communities can co-create history."
Course provides practical examples and real-world applications.
"Absolutely loved this course! The case studies were incredibly insightful, especially the 'Layers of London' project."
"The practical examples, like the Victoria County History 'Red Boxes' project, gave me concrete ideas for our own initiatives."
"The blend of expert insights and real-world case studies made the learning very relevant."
Forum activity and some external links could be improved.
"Some of the links to external resources were outdated, and the discussion forums could be more active for ongoing interaction."
"Content is decent, but some of the discussions felt a bit forced, and the feedback on assignments wasn't always constructive."
Offers comprehensive overview but some seek advanced practical details.
"The course has interesting content, but I felt it was a bit too broad. While it introduces many concepts, it doesn't go deep enough into any one area."
"I enrolled hoping for practical skills to use in my heritage consultancy, but found it more theoretical than expected. I needed more concrete 'how-to's'."
"I wish there were more opportunities for deeper dives into specific tools or methodologies beyond this introductory overview."
Activities
Be better prepared
before
your course. Deepen your understanding
during
and
after
it. Supplement your coursework and achieve mastery of the topics covered
in Applied Public History: Places, People, Stories with these
activities:
Local History in the Digital Age
Show steps
Explore how digital technologies are transforming the field of local history, providing new tools for research, storytelling, and community engagement.
View
Clio Wired
on Amazon
Show steps
-
Read the book and take notes on key concepts and case studies.
-
Identify how the ideas presented in the book could be applied to your own local history projects.
-
Share your insights with other course participants in a discussion forum.
Explore the National Archives' online resources for local history research
Show steps
Familiarizing yourself with the National Archives' online resources can greatly enhance your ability to find and access primary sources for your historical research.
Browse courses on
Historical Research
Show steps
-
Visit the National Archives website
-
Use the search tools and browse the collections
-
Identify and download relevant documents for your research
Write historical abstracts for historical research articles
Show steps
Practicing writing historical abstracts helps improve your ability to synthesize and communicate historical research findings in a concise and engaging manner.
Browse courses on
Historical Research
Show steps
-
Review examples of effective historical abstracts
-
Identify the key arguments and findings of a historical research article
-
Draft and revise an abstract that captures the essence of the article
Five other activities
Expand to see all activities and additional details
Show all eight activities
Read 'History in the Public Sphere' by John Bodnar
Show steps
Read 'History in the Public Sphere' provides a grounding in the theoretical foundations of public history and its role in shaping historical narratives and public discourse.
View
Soccer's Neoliberal Pitch: The Sport's Power,...
on Amazon
Show steps
-
Read and take notes on the book's key chapters
-
Summarize the main arguments and perspectives presented in the book
Develop a historical walking tour of a neighborhood or town
Show steps
Creating a historical walking tour is a practical and impactful way to engage the public with local history and showcase your understanding of historical research and communication.
Browse courses on
Public History
Show steps
-
Select a neighborhood or town with a rich history
-
Research and identify historical landmarks, events, and figures
-
Design a walking route and prepare a script for the tour
Design a digital history exhibit on a local historical event or figure
Show steps
Creating a digital history exhibit allows you to apply the principles of public history in a practical and engaging way, showcasing your understanding of historical research and storytelling.
Browse courses on
Historical Interpretation
Show steps
-
Research and select a local event or figure to focus on
-
Gather primary and secondary sources to support your narrative
-
Design and develop the digital exhibit, using a platform like Omeka or WordPress
Learn how to conduct oral history interviews
Show steps
Learning how to conduct oral history interviews will help you gather valuable insights from people who have experienced history firsthand.
Show steps
-
Find a tutorial on oral history interviewing
-
Watch the tutorial and take notes
-
Practice interviewing a friend or family member
Contribute to the Wikipedia page on a historical topic or figure
Show steps
Contributing to Wikipedia allows you to share your knowledge, improve historical content, and engage with a wider audience interested in history.
Browse courses on
Historical Research
Show steps
-
Identify a Wikipedia page that needs improvement
-
Research and gather reliable sources to support your additions
-
Edit the Wikipedia page, following their guidelines and referencing your sources
Local History in the Digital Age
Show steps
Explore how digital technologies are transforming the field of local history, providing new tools for research, storytelling, and community engagement.
View
Clio Wired
on Amazon
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- Read the book and take notes on key concepts and case studies.
- Identify how the ideas presented in the book could be applied to your own local history projects.
- Share your insights with other course participants in a discussion forum.
Explore the National Archives' online resources for local history research
Show steps
Familiarizing yourself with the National Archives' online resources can greatly enhance your ability to find and access primary sources for your historical research.
Browse courses on
Historical Research
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- Visit the National Archives website
- Use the search tools and browse the collections
- Identify and download relevant documents for your research
Write historical abstracts for historical research articles
Show steps
Practicing writing historical abstracts helps improve your ability to synthesize and communicate historical research findings in a concise and engaging manner.
Browse courses on
Historical Research
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- Review examples of effective historical abstracts
- Identify the key arguments and findings of a historical research article
- Draft and revise an abstract that captures the essence of the article
Five other activities
Expand to see all activities and additional details
Show all eight activities
Read 'History in the Public Sphere' by John Bodnar
Show steps
Read 'History in the Public Sphere' provides a grounding in the theoretical foundations of public history and its role in shaping historical narratives and public discourse.
View
Soccer's Neoliberal Pitch: The Sport's Power,...
on Amazon
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- Read and take notes on the book's key chapters
- Summarize the main arguments and perspectives presented in the book
Develop a historical walking tour of a neighborhood or town
Show steps
Creating a historical walking tour is a practical and impactful way to engage the public with local history and showcase your understanding of historical research and communication.
Browse courses on
Public History
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- Select a neighborhood or town with a rich history
- Research and identify historical landmarks, events, and figures
- Design a walking route and prepare a script for the tour
Design a digital history exhibit on a local historical event or figure
Show steps
Creating a digital history exhibit allows you to apply the principles of public history in a practical and engaging way, showcasing your understanding of historical research and storytelling.
Browse courses on
Historical Interpretation
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- Research and select a local event or figure to focus on
- Gather primary and secondary sources to support your narrative
- Design and develop the digital exhibit, using a platform like Omeka or WordPress
Learn how to conduct oral history interviews
Show steps
Learning how to conduct oral history interviews will help you gather valuable insights from people who have experienced history firsthand.
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- Find a tutorial on oral history interviewing
- Watch the tutorial and take notes
- Practice interviewing a friend or family member
Contribute to the Wikipedia page on a historical topic or figure
Show steps
Contributing to Wikipedia allows you to share your knowledge, improve historical content, and engage with a wider audience interested in history.
Browse courses on
Historical Research
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- Identify a Wikipedia page that needs improvement
- Research and gather reliable sources to support your additions
- Edit the Wikipedia page, following their guidelines and referencing your sources
Career center
Learners who complete Applied Public History: Places, People, Stories will develop knowledge and skills
that may be useful to these careers:
Historian
Historian
Historians research, analyze, interpret, and write about the past. They use a variety of sources to learn about the past, including written documents, oral histories, and archaeological evidence. This course may be useful to you because it will help you to understand the history of places and people, and how to engage diverse communities with those stories. You will also learn about different approaches to researching and sharing the past.
Community Organizer
Community Organizer
Community Organizers work to improve the lives of people in their communities. This course may be useful to you because it will help you to understand the history of places and people, and how to engage diverse communities with those stories. You will also learn about different approaches to researching and sharing the past.
Teacher
Teacher
Teachers help students learn about a variety of subjects, including history. They may work in public schools, private schools, or homeschooling programs. This course may be useful to you because it will help you to understand the history of places and people, and how to engage diverse communities with those stories. You will also learn about different approaches to researching and sharing the past.
Nonprofit Manager
Nonprofit Manager
Nonprofit Managers oversee the operations of nonprofit organizations. This course may be useful to you because it will help you to understand the history of places and people, and how to engage diverse communities with those stories. You will also learn about different approaches to researching and sharing the past.
Public Relations Specialist
Public Relations Specialist
Public Relations Specialists create and manage public relations campaigns for businesses and organizations. This course may be useful to you because it will help you to understand the history of places and people, and how to engage diverse communities with those stories. You will also learn about different approaches to researching and sharing the past.
Development Officer
Development Officer
Development Officers work to raise funds for nonprofit organizations. This course may be useful to you because it will help you to understand the history of places and people, and how to engage diverse communities with those stories. You will also learn about different approaches to researching and sharing the past.
Fundraising Manager
Fundraising Manager
Fundraising Managers oversee the fundraising efforts of nonprofit organizations. This course may be useful to you because it will help you to understand the history of places and people, and how to engage diverse communities with those stories. You will also learn about different approaches to researching and sharing the past.
Journalist
Journalist
Journalists write, edit, and produce news stories for newspapers, magazines, and websites. This course may be useful to you because it will help you to understand the history of places and people, and how to engage diverse communities with those stories. You will also learn about different approaches to researching and sharing the past.
Grant Writer
Grant Writer
Grant Writers write grant proposals to secure funding for nonprofit organizations. This course may be useful to you because it will help you to understand the history of places and people, and how to engage diverse communities with those stories. You will also learn about different approaches to researching and sharing the past.
Program Manager
Program Manager
Program Managers oversee the development and implementation of programs for nonprofit organizations. This course may be useful to you because it will help you to understand the history of places and people, and how to engage diverse communities with those stories. You will also learn about different approaches to researching and sharing the past.
Museum curator
Museum curator
Museum Curators are responsible for planning and managing environmental control over museum collections. They preserve and interpret museum collections for the benefit of the public. This course may be useful to you because it will help you to understand the history of places and people, and how to engage diverse communities with those stories. You will also learn about different approaches to researching and sharing the past.
Archivist
Archivist
Archivists are responsible for the acquisition, preservation, and arrangement of documents and other materials having historical or research value. This course may be useful to you because it will help you to understand the history of places and people, and how to engage diverse communities with those stories. You will also learn about different approaches to researching and sharing the past.
Marketing Manager
Marketing Manager
Marketing Managers develop and implement marketing campaigns for businesses and organizations. This course may be useful to you because it will help you to understand the history of places and people, and how to engage diverse communities with those stories. You will also learn about different approaches to researching and sharing the past.
Event Planner
Event Planner
Event Planners plan and coordinate events, such as conferences, weddings, and parties. This course may be useful to you because it will help you to understand the history of places and people, and how to engage diverse communities with those stories. You will also learn about different approaches to researching and sharing the past.
Librarian
Librarian
Librarians help people find information and resources. They may work in public libraries, school libraries, or academic libraries. This course may be useful to you because it will help you to understand the history of places and people, and how to engage diverse communities with those stories. You will also learn about different approaches to researching and sharing the past.
For more career information including salaries, visit:
OpenCourser.com/course/eyugo0/applied
Reading list
We've selected seven books
that we think will supplement your
learning. Use these to
develop background knowledge, enrich your coursework, and gain a
deeper understanding of the topics covered in
Applied Public History: Places, People, Stories.
Save
This handbook provides a comprehensive overview of the field of public history. It features essays from leading scholars in the field. It is an essential resource for anyone who wants to learn more about the history and practice of public history.
Explores the role of place in public history. It examines how the built environment can be used to tell stories about the past and how it can be used to create a sense of place. It great resource for anyone who wants to learn more about the relationship between public history and place.
Examines the role of the media in shaping public understanding of history. It explores how history is used in television, film, and other forms of media. It great resource for anyone who wants to learn more about the relationship between history and the media.
Save
Provides a comprehensive overview of the history of public history. It examines the origins of the field and how it has evolved over time. It great resource for anyone who wants to learn more about the history of public history.
This reader collects some of the most important essays in the field of public history. It provides a great overview of the field and its major themes. It great resource for anyone who wants to learn more about public history.
Explores the relationship between history and memory in the public sphere. It examines how history is used to shape public opinion and how it can be used to promote social change. It great resource for anyone who wants to learn more about the role of history in public life.
Argues that history is more important than ever in the 21st century. It provides a passionate and persuasive case for the value of history in understanding the present and shaping the future. more tailored towards why history is important in general and may not be as useful for understanding how to do/practice public history
For more information about how these books relate to this course, visit:
OpenCourser.com/course/eyugo0/applied
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Rating
4.8
Effort
26 hours to complete
Level
Introductory
Via
Coursera
Institution
University of London
Instructor
Catherine Clarke
Language
English
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