Spring 2026
Historiography
Dates: January 26, 2026 - April 20, 2026Day/Time: Monday 7:30 AM - 10:00 AM EDT
Level: 400-Level
Certificate: Global Humanities
Instructor: Vojtech Pojar, American University of Central Asia
The course introduces students to historiography, that is, the study of how history is written, and examines the transformations of historical writing in the modern era from a global perspective. Throughout the semester, students will engage with works by historians from diverse regions of the world and intellectual traditions, exploring the different ways they have understood the past and presented their findings. In doing so, the course will not only familiarize students with the methods and sources historians use to interpret the past professionally, but also trace how historical understanding, professional standards, and forms of historical writing have changed over time. Furthermore, it will situate these approaches within their broader intellectual, cultural, and political contexts, showing that interpretations of the past have always been closely intertwined with reflections on the challenges of the present. Ultimately, the course aims to equip students with analytical tools useful for social science professionals, educators, and social activists, while also emphasizing the civic role that historical perspective can play in open societies.
Credits: 3 US / 6 ECTS