Enroll Course: https://www.coursera.org/learn/uol-public-history
Have you ever walked through a historic town or city and wondered about the stories hidden within its walls? Or perhaps you’ve seen a monument and felt a disconnect between its historical significance and its present-day meaning? If so, Coursera’s ‘Applied Public History: Places, People, Stories’ might be the perfect course for you.
This course offers a fascinating dive into the world of public history, exploring how we can understand, interpret, and critically engage with the past in our contemporary lives. It’s not just about dusty archives and academic lectures; it’s about making history accessible, relevant, and participatory for diverse communities.
The syllabus is thoughtfully structured, beginning with ‘Your Place,’ where the course immediately grounds the learning in tangible locations. You’ll explore how to sense the history of a place and engage communities in understanding the historic environment. The use of resources like Historic England and Layers of London, coupled with access to historic maps, provides a rich, practical foundation.
‘Discovering Stories’ moves into the heart of narrative. Through case studies from projects like the Youth Club Archive and the Victoria County History’s ‘Red Boxes,’ you’ll learn diverse approaches to collecting and sharing stories, considering different audiences and the power of objects in storytelling. The inclusion of oral histories from Syrian refugees highlights the crucial role of diverse perspectives and community engagement.
Where does history meet art? ‘Public History and Creative Practice’ delves into this exciting intersection. You’ll discover how art, historical re-enactment, and creative mapping can illuminate the past in imaginative ways. The course even encourages you to tap into your own creative skills with masterclasses, proving that you don’t need to be an artist to think creatively about history.
‘History and the Present’ tackles how history is commemorated today, from anniversaries to statues. It critically examines issues of exclusion and absence, offering strategies for using history to make positive interventions in society. Projects like #RememberHer and the Haringey Peace Forum showcase practical applications of this approach.
One of the most compelling aspects of this course is its emphasis on collaboration. ‘Research Together’ explores how to transform audiences into active researchers through participatory methods and co-production. Learning from projects like Layers of London and ‘Our Migration Story’ demonstrates the power of community archives and crowdsourcing.
Finally, ‘Communication and Evaluation’ consolidates the learning. It reinforces the importance of effective communication in public history and introduces methods for evaluating projects and identifying future opportunities. Case studies from ‘Being Human’ and other initiatives provide real-world examples.
**Recommendation:**
‘Applied Public History: Places, People, Stories’ is an exceptional course for anyone interested in history beyond the traditional academic setting. Whether you’re a student, a heritage professional, a community organizer, or simply a curious individual, this course equips you with a valuable toolkit. It fosters critical thinking, encourages community engagement, and inspires creative approaches to making history meaningful in the present day. I highly recommend it for its practical insights, diverse case studies, and inspiring vision for public history.
Enroll Course: https://www.coursera.org/learn/uol-public-history