Inclusive Public History: A Faculty Development and Student Engagement Initiative

A three-year faculty study and student engagement program to strengthen and expand the university's concentration in digital and public history.The Inclusive Public History project entails faculty development, curriculum development, and student enrichment activities. The project focuses on the history of racial and ethnic groups in the United States, as it mirrors our student interests and demographics. First, the project will train faculty in public history research, methods, and scholarship through a shared reading program and guest speakers. In turn, faculty will create courses in public and digital history as well as incorporate best public history practices into their existing courses. Second, the project will enrich student educational experiences by establishing opportunities for place-based learning at public history sites and museums throughout New Jersey, New York City, and Washington DC. Importantly, faculty will gain practical experience as they lead students on the site visits. The history department will further develop its curriculum in permanently establishing a place-based learning opportunity in our courses.