Department of History, American University
Adopted, Fall 2002
Goal 1. Historical Literacy: Students will gain an understanding of the scope, breadth and richness of historical studies.
Goal 2. Critical Thinking: Students will learn to apply historical methods to evaluate critically the record of the past and how historians and others have interpreted it.
Goal 3. Research Skills: Students will acquire basic historical research skills, including (as appropriate) the effective use of libraries, archives and databases.
Goal 4. Communication Skills: Students will learn to organize and express their thoughts clearly and coherently both in writing and orally.
Goal 5. Original Research: Students should demonstrate their mastery of the knowledge and skills involved in historical practice by conceptualizing and executing a significant piece of original research.