The Historian's Craft involves conducting original historical research using archival materials, defining questions, analyzing evidence, and presenting conclusions in written and spoken formats.
Recent recorded grades — Fall 2020: 3.53 GPA, 73.3% A/AB (n=15 letter grades); Fall 2024: 3.46 GPA, 75.6% A/AB (n=41 letter grades); Fall 2025: 3.27 GPA, 71.4% A/AB (n=42 letter grades).
An advanced seminar where students apply research skills to a historical topic, producing a project with original analysis through intensive writing and discussion.
Francine Hirsch described her seminar on Totalitarianism as accessible and fun, ensuring students felt valued as individuals. The reading load was substantial but not insane for the course type, and the instructor maintained high levels of helpfulness and care.