Teaching Public History

This collection of faculty essays edited by Brock (history, Univ. of Alabama) and Faulkenbury (history, SUNY Cortland) addresses the complex nature of teaching public history at the college level to both undergraduate and graduate students. In its simplest definition, public history is history taught in a nonacademic setting, as in a historical tour, plaque, or museum. The writers of these essays have all taught public history courses at their respective universities, and they delve into course construction, such as developing syllabi and choosing readings. The administrative side is also addressed. For example, the book notes how to react and regroup when a discussion or a reading does not accomplish what the professor had hoped to achieve. This book is a practical, honest look at university-level public history courses and different ways to teach them.