In this LibGuide, you will find instructional resources designed to facilitate the use of primary sources and open educational resources in the teaching of HIST 2400 (Economic History) and 2500 (Medical History). This compilation of existing and new material was funded by an Affordable Learning Georgia grant during AY 2021-2022. The scholars participating in the ALG grant aimed to create two new courses at GHC (designed to support our new Bachelor's programs in Business and Health Sciences. It also aims to bring the courses in line with the American Historical Association's "Tuning Project" and make the materials accessible to all students.
Course design was guided by five primary influences:
The course was piloted during the fall semester of 2022.
We are opening these resources to other instructors in hopes that more students can benefit from these open educational resources.
Economic History covers the economic activities of human beings from the beginning of early civilization with the Neolithic Revolution to the present day. It focuses on large factors that have influenced economic development over time such as geography, agriculture, demographics, technology, trade, culture, and institutions. Careful consideration is given to the transition from the pre-modern to the modern economic order with the Industrial Revolution of the late eighteenth century, as well as the rise of post-industrial societies in the late twentieth century. In addition to coverage of large, global economic trends over time, Economic History provides an introduction to the ideas of key economic theorists, particularly since the eighteenth century.
We will pay special attention to developing the skills that are necessary for the study of history:
During this course, students will:
This course examines the interactions between disease, healers, and patients in historical context. Questions we will investigate include: How has disease influenced human history? How have humans influenced the history of disease? How have people perceived, experienced, and coped with disease? The main geographical and chronological focus will be on Western Civilization since 1300, but we will begin with an overview of medicine and disease in the ancient and medieval periods. We will examine advances in the understanding and treatment of disease, the evolution of healing as a profession, and the impact of major epidemics.
There are many reasons for studying history. Its practice develops skills in reading, writing, and argument – skills that are essential for success in virtually any profession. It also acquaints students with geographic features and place names that remain relevant in today’s world. But perhaps the overarching reason for studying history is this: studying the past helps us understand the present. The present is simply the current moment of that process we call “history,” and the present world is truly global.
We will pay special attention to developing the skills that are necessary for the study of history:
During this course, students will:
For questions about this material, please contact:
All resources licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike License.