Our most important work in this course is to learn about the discipline called history, or how we establish historical fact. More broadly, we want to understand how we establish knowledge, which is necessarily an historical pursuit.

We want to understand life's events from the historian's point of view, and learn how accurate history is developed and deployed. Like investigators, in any walk of life, we need to be able to discern truth from fiction. Whether dealing with error or deceit, it is crucial to possess a method by which to determine truth.

That method has become very important in the area of history and knowledge, as events unfold in our own lives and histories.

This is a course devoted to the study of history, and the development of the knowledge base known as a historical record. It is a study many have found transformative. It is not only a course "about" history, but is also a study of history's impact and influence on our societies. In these times, especially, it is a compelling topic.

As you complete the assignments and measurements for this course, please feel free to emphasize your growing knowledge. Be sure to notice and integrate ways that the subject and concepts touch you both at an intellectual and a "heart" level.

It is my hope that we will work together and learn to in a spirit of harmony and inquiry. Thank you for enrolling in this course!

Please contact me with any questions, comments or concerns you may have. Enjoy the course!