History 196J

Autobiography and History

Professor Mark Traugott

Spring 2008

This course focuses on a particular variety of primary source -- autobiographies -- as a way of illuminating European history in the modern era. We will examine a variety of autobiographical texts -- one or two of specific historical importance, a few written by notable figures, and a good many more whose authors were anonymous peasants or workers -- to learn what they tell us about the changes set in motion by the Enlightenment and the industrial and democratic revolutions. The course will pay particular attention to the historiographical and methodological issues associated with the use of such sources and thr unique advantages and limitations they present to the historian. In addition to common readings and weekly seminar discussions, each student will be expected to select a work of autobiography that, along with suitable secondary sources, can serve as the basis for a term paper relating the life experiences of the author to the history of the times.

Syllabus Readings Schedule Bibliography Links