Evidence: A History
HIST 360
Fall 2025
| Section:
01
|
| Crosslisting:
CHUM 369 |
What counts as evidence and proof has changed and varied over time. This class will introduce students to the changing nature of evidence and proof in history, science, law, medicine, and news media. Topics include histories of trial by ordeal, trial by jury, photography, the footnote, fact checkers, expert testimony, the polygraph, statistics, DNA, and AI. Students will read amicus briefs, watch films, write papers, create evidence for mock trials, and study the rise and political effects of "alternate facts" discourse.We will also explore the ways that historical narratives, museums, and commemorations use evidence to tell stories through exhibits, monuments, plays, textbooks, and markers. The class will also discuss the history of landmark legal trials where new forms of evidence were central, and discuss the different ways that films handle evidence in genres such as true crime documentary. This is a discussion-based course that aligns with the Center for Humanities theme for Fall 2025: "Genres of Proof. Assignments include oral and written reports, a creative visual assignment, and a final research paper. |
|
| Credit: 1 |
Gen Ed Area Dept:
SBS HIST |
| Course Format: Seminar | Grading Mode: Graded |
| Level: UGRD |
Prerequisites: None |
|
Fulfills a Requirement for: (History Minor)(History) |
|
Past Enrollment Probability: 75% - 89% |
| SECTION 01 |
Major Readings: Wesleyan RJ Julia Bookstore
:
Anthony Grafton, The Footnote: A Curious History
Natalie Zemon Davis, The Return of Martin Guerre
Angela Bourke, The Murder of Bridget Cleary: A True Story
Edward Tufte, The Visual Display of Quantitative Information
|
Examinations and Assignments:
:
Class participation and short written responses, midterm, final research paper, creative visual assignment. |
Additional Requirements and/or Comments:
:
A course pack of supplementary readings will be provided |
| Instructor(s): Tucker,Jennifer Times: ..T.R.. 02:50PM-04:10PM; Location: TBA |
| Total Enrollment Limit: 15 | | SR major: 3 | JR major: 4 | | |
| Seats Available: 4 | GRAD: X | SR non-major: 4 | JR non-major: 4 | SO: 0 | FR: X |
| Drop/Add Enrollment Requests | | | | | |
| Total Submitted Requests: 2 | 1st Ranked: 0 | 2nd Ranked: 0 | 3rd Ranked: 1 | 4th Ranked: 1 | Unranked: 0 |
|
|