Public History encompasses the many and diverse ways that we draw upon collective understandings of the past to make sense of issues in the present. At Saint Mary’s College, we envision Public History as a distinctive set of historical methodologies and interdisciplinary practices rooted in community engagement and partnership. That means our students are immersed in contemporary real-world questions and challenges, hands-on learning, practical and professional skill development, and meaningful engagement with community partners through Community Engagement (CE) coursework, practicums, and internships. We aim to reframe understandings of the past from the ground up, with the aim of bringing greater equity, diversity, local and global perspective, and intersectionality to the public presentation of our diverse and shared histories.
The Public History minor can be paired with any major but requires at least five additional Public History courses separate from the major coursework.
Total (6.25-7.5 credits): Six courses + internship + practicum(s).