Revised 1/2025

HIS 205 - Local History (3 CR.)

Course Description

Studies the history of the local community and/or region. Lecture 3 hours per week.

General Course Purpose

Explores the historical transformation of Northern Virginia through an examination of local events, people, and places. Places the region’s past within the context of larger historic events and influences.

Course Prerequisites/Corequisites

None.

Course Objectives

Upon completing the course, the student will be able to:

• Describe the geography of the region and its important natural features.
• Identify the people, events, and localities significant to the region’s history.
• Place the region’s people, places, and events within the historical development of the United States.
• Critically evaluate how local museums and historic sites interpret the region’s history and identify what aspects of local history interpretation might be improved.

Major Topics to Be Included

• Early Republic
• African American experiences during slavery
• Civil War
• Agricultural, industrial and hi-tech development
• Migration and immigration patterns
• World War II growth and post-war boom
• Civil rights
• Suburban development and influence
• Memory and historical remembrance
• Local historical preservation and public history efforts