HIST 4100 - Philosophy of History

3 Credit Hours
Description
What is history? How do we understand and represent the past? How does historical inquiry relate to a given society and culture? Western thinkers have asked these questions time and again since the Enlightenment; this course will examine the most important arguments and issues in the philosophy of history. Key topics will include: the validity of grand historical narratives of history; the rise of scientific history and historical positivism; historicism and its critique; and postmodern reflections on history.