Introduction to historiography and historical methodology in the context of the study of a special topic related to European, United States, or East Asian history. Students will discuss the evolution of historical thinking on the course topic, the range of sources that historians treat as evidence, and the various analytical approaches and theoretical frameworks that scholars use to write history. As well, students will discuss research methods, the evaluation of evidence, and strategies of analysis, argument, and presentation. This course is a prerequisite to HIS 400: Senior Seminar and is required for history majors and minors. Students are encouraged to complete the course in their sophomore year prior to enrolling in 300-level courses and must do so prior to the end of their junior year and before enrolling in HIS 400. Offered each semester.