Event—Adult Education

Getting to the Truth in History

What is history and why is it so contested? How can history help us navigate through the brambles of half-truths and “alternative facts” of today’s world? This course will pull back the curtain on the historian's craft...

Cost and Registration Information

Early Registration Price (by September 1): $250
Regular Price (after September 1): $275

Register Online

Seminar Description

What is history and why is it so contested? How can history help us navigate through the brambles of half-truths and “alternative facts” of today’s world? This course will pull back the curtain on the historian's craft and explain how we can grapple with questions of how the past is understood and remembered. Topics include the idea of truth in history, politics, and ideology in writing history, the similarity and difference of the past and the present, questions of interpretation and meaning, uncovering secrets and untruths, resurrecting memory, and history’s restorative power. Eight sessions.

Brooke Heagerty holds a PhD in history. Her current project is on the power of history and memory.

Materials List

Required:

  • A course pack of materials, compiled by the instructor and distributed during the first class, for which there will be a nominal fee.

First Reading:

  • Readings for the first session will be distributed digitally in advance, in the confirmation email.

This class is part of the Newberry’s Adult Education Seminars Program. Learn more about our registration procedures.