Social History

The concentration for Social History is directly linked to the Institute for Social History at CSUMB, dedicated to innovative teaching and research in social history and the practical application of historical knowledge in contemporary society. The concentration has been designed to allow students to pursue and achieve high standards in the following skills and competencies:

• Self Reflection
• Location of Primary Sources
• Interpretation Primary Sources
• Location and Interpretation of Secondary Sources
• Identification and use of scholarly Secondary Sources
• Understanding of Historiographic Context
• Definition of a Researchable Topic
• Ability to Study Change Over Time of a Given Social Group
• Ability to Study and Understand the Significance of Place
• Understanding of Broad Social Contexts

Rationale

In alignment with the Institute vision, students concentrating in social history can expect innovative teaching methods combined with scholarship in social history. Students are expected to social history methods of teaching and scholarship to topics and interests that have practical benefits to the diverse students, faculty, staff and administration of CSUMB and to the communities of the Monterey Bay region.

In addition, students will participate in a learning environment aimed at erasing the artificial academic line between the scholarly and the personal, receiving encouragement and support to participate in projects in the local communities that both meet community needs and provide opportunities for CSUMB students to conduct real, hands-on social history research and writing. Directly linked to the historical traditions and methods, students will be expected to assist in the preservation and analysis of the documents and materials of the local histories of the Monterey Bay Region.