Public History

                  

Certificate in Public History—12 Units

 The Public History Certificate highlights for future employers that you have completed a defined set of courses, and have received specialized training in the field of Public History.  If you are looking for a way to set yourself apart from other job candidates in the future, or perhaps simply want to explore what Public History is and may have to offer you, the Certificate may be a good choice for you.

Here are some answers to questions you may have:

What is Public History?

• Public History is a specialization in which scholarly history meets popular history. It is a field of study aimed at interpreting the past for popular, public audiences.  If you’ve been to a museum, an interpretive center, watched a documentary, just to name a few examples, you’ve seen the product of public history.  It is in a sense “applied history.”    For more information about Public History, see https://ncph.org/what-is-public-history/about-the-field/

Who can declare a Certificate in Public History?

• Anyone! The Certificate would be an especially valuable add-on for any program of study, including and beyond history programs.       

How much does it cost to add a Certificate to my program of study?

• Nothing! In most cases, and with a little planning, you can complete the courses within your current course of study and within your current timeframe to graduation!

What coursework is required for the Certificate? 

• History 202 (Introduction to Public History) (3 units)
• Unique Requirement ( Contact your advisor or Drs. Nath or Gulig for a detailed list of options—contact email below) (3 units)
• History 493 (Internship) (3 units)
• History 498 (Independent study focused on skill) (3 units)

What skills can I expect to develop with a Certificate in Public History?  Depending on your course and unique requirement selections, you can expect to gain:

• A basic knowledge of origins, evolution and major debates in field of public history as well as goals and practices of major public history subfields—as examples, historical museums, historical societies, historic preservation.
• The ability to analyze and apply interpretive historical methods to public historical documents and sources such as monuments, buildings, material culture, electronic media and other public and collective representations of the past.
• The ability to articulate a basic understanding of the concept of collective memory.
• The ability to identify, interpret and critically evaluate public reception of historical documents, sources and sites.
• An understanding of strategies of visual display and exhibition of historical content for public audiences.
• A grasp of editing and production skills in at least one electronic media – audio, video, or web production.
• A grasp of production, design and/or collections management skills in one chosen sub-field.

Will the courses required for the Public History Certificate also count in my major or minor?

• Yes!

Will the Certificate appear on my AAR and final transcript?

• Yes!

How do I add a Public History Certificate to my program of study—to my AAR?

• Talk to your academic advisor or contact one of your department’s Public History Co-Directors, Dr. Kim Nath Nathk@uww.edu or Dr. Anthony Gulig Guliga@uww.edu
• Complete  Major/Minor/Certificate Change Form and send it to your home department. If you need assistance declaring a Public History Certificate, contact either Drs. Nath or Gulig—email above.

We look forward to hearing from you and will be happy to guide you through the Certificate, from declaration to graduation!

If you’re looking for an internship, also contact Drs. Nath or Gulig.  They have information about local internships and possible internship venues.