We explore the history of Bennington County, including Bennington College, in the broad context of political, social, and environmental history across several centuries. Readings and online materials situate students in the vibrant enterprise of local history, often defined as “the study of the everyday struggles and triumphs of ordinary people,” recognizing “that our lives are shaped by particular places and that our physical place in the world is a major determinant to how our lives are lived.” The course offers opportunities for student-run workshops, field trips (if local health protocols permit), and in-person or virtual conversations with people engaged in preserving and sharing local history. Expectations include weekly readings, assignments, discussions, impromptu presentations, and individual or collaborative projects.
Learning Outcomes:
1. Successfully collaborating with others on a range of activities
2. Practicing the theory and methods of local history as a discipline and profession
3. Constructing an independent research project relating to local history in Bennington and other places of interest
4. Building connections with others in the surrounding community who are involved in preserving and sharing local history, such as museums, associations, and heritage tourism entrepreneurs
Delivery Method: Hybrid
Prerequisites: Interested students, please email the instructor (escully@bennington.edu) beginning two weeks before the start of registration, with a brief statement of interest that includes information about your previous courses, FWTs, and concentration areas.
Course Level: 4000-level
Credits: 4
T 2:10PM - 5:50PM (Full-term)
Maximum Enrollment: 18
Course Frequency: Every 2-3 years
Categories: 4000 , All courses , Four Credit , History , Hybrid
Tags: Community building , critical writing , local history , Museums , narratives , public history , researching