Enroll Course: https://www.coursera.org/learn/uol-public-history
In an age where understanding our history is more crucial than ever, Coursera’s course ‘Applied Public History: Places, People, Stories’ offers a comprehensive and engaging approach to public history. This course is designed for anyone interested in exploring how we can interpret the past and engage diverse communities in sharing their histories.
The course is structured into six weeks, each focusing on different aspects of public history. In the first week, titled ‘Your Place’, learners are introduced to the course presenters and the concept of place in history. With resources from Historic England and the Layers of London project, participants explore how to understand and describe the history and heritage of their own communities. This week sets the foundation for building a virtual community where learners can share their experiences and insights.
The second week, ‘Discovering Stories’, dives into case studies that showcase various methods of collecting and sharing historical narratives. The Youth Club Archive and the Victoria County History ‘Red Boxes’ project are highlighted, demonstrating how stories can be told through objects and oral histories. This week encourages learners to think critically about the diverse audiences they may engage with.
In ‘Public History and Creative Practice’, the third week, the course examines the intersection of public history and creative arts. Participants are encouraged to explore how artistic collaborations can enhance historical interpretation. This week includes a creative masterclass, allowing learners to apply their skills in innovative ways, regardless of their artistic background.
The fourth week, ‘History and the Present’, addresses how history is commemorated today. It prompts learners to consider the implications of historical narratives in contemporary society, focusing on projects like #RememberHer, which highlights female memorials in London. This week emphasizes the importance of using history as a tool for positive social change.
The fifth week, ‘Research Together’, shifts the focus to participatory research. Learners are introduced to projects that transform audiences into active researchers, showcasing the value of community engagement in uncovering history. This collaborative approach enriches the understanding of historical significance in the present.
Finally, the course concludes with ‘Communication and Evaluation’, where participants reflect on their learning journey and the importance of effective communication in public history. This week also emphasizes the need for evaluation and future development, ensuring that learners can continue to grow in their public history endeavors.
Overall, ‘Applied Public History: Places, People, Stories’ is a well-structured course that combines theoretical knowledge with practical applications. It encourages learners to think critically about history and its relevance today, making it an invaluable resource for anyone interested in public history, community engagement, or storytelling. I highly recommend this course for its rich content, engaging format, and the opportunity it provides to connect with like-minded individuals.
Whether you’re a history enthusiast, a student, or a professional in the field, this course will equip you with the tools and insights needed to make history accessible and meaningful to diverse communities. Enroll today and start your journey into the fascinating world of applied public history!
Enroll Course: https://www.coursera.org/learn/uol-public-history