2026 (Current Year) Faculty Courses Liberal arts and basic science courses Humanities and social science courses
History A
- Academic unit or major
- Humanities and social science courses
- Instructor(s)
- Jing Sun
- Class Format
- Lecture (Face-to-face)
- Media-enhanced courses
- -
- Day of week/Period
(Classrooms) - 5-6 Mon (M-143B(H119B))
- Class
- -
- Course Code
- LAH.H105
- Number of credits
- 100
- Course offered
- 2026
- Offered quarter
- 2Q
- Syllabus updated
- Mar 5, 2026
- Language
- Japanese
Syllabus
Course overview and goals
This course serves as an introduction to historical studies and aims to provide students with foundational knowledge in the field and teach history as a way of critical thinking. The course first examines what “history” and “historical studies” mean through selected case studies, and discusses what it means to learn history and to learn from history. It then explores the diversity of historical sources and the meaning of “empirical” (evidence-based) verification in historical research. Next, the course introduces emerging approaches and major developments in the field, including interdisciplinary research, microhistory, Big History, quantitative methods, and digital humanities. Finally, the course encourages students to consider the relationship between the past and the present, highlighting why historical thinking remains essential for understanding contemporary society.
Course description and aims
By the end of this course, students will be able to:
1. Acquire basic knowledge and approaches in historical studies, and discover for themselves both the intellectual enjoyment and the importance of learning history.
2. Recognize diverse methodologies in historical research, cultivate critical and interdisciplinary thinking, and develop the ability to use historical studies as a method for rethinking contemporary society.
3. Gain an intellectual foundation for working collaboratively with diverse people in an increasingly globalized world by understanding the multiple perspectives and dimensions of history.
Keywords
Historical studies; Empiricism; Historical sources; Interdisciplinary studies; Microhistory; Big History; Quantitative methods; Digital humanities; World history
Competencies
- Specialist skills
- Intercultural skills
- Communication skills
- Critical thinking skills
- Practical and/or problem-solving skills
Class flow
The course will primarily be conducted in a lecture format using slides, while also incorporating interactive elements such as small-group discussions and in-class polling. At the end of each class session, students will be required to submit a brief reaction comment online, reflecting on questions, impressions, or opinions regarding the lecture content. Selected comments will be addressed as appropriate at the beginning of the following class, with additional explanations or responses provided when necessary.
Course schedule/Objectives
| Course schedule | Objectives | |
|---|---|---|
| Class 1 | Guidance: Learning History / Learning from History |
After explaining the course overview, learning goals, references, and grading policy, this session introduces the course theme through examples and discusses why learning history matters in contemporary society. |
| Class 2 | Historical Studies and Sources: History in Three Keys |
Focusing on “History in Three Keys,” students will explore how historical interpretation expands through different kinds of sources. |
| Class 3 | What Does “Empirical Verification” Mean?: Source Criticism |
Students learn how to work with sources critically (“how to use sources means how to question them”), and examine the meaning and problems of historical revisionism. |
| Class 4 | Trends and Methods in Historical Studies (1): Microhistory and Big History |
After a brief introduction to key points in historiography and the philosophy of history, this session introduces microhistory and Big History as approaches to historical research and considers their achievements critically. |
| Class 5 | Trends and Methods in Historical Studies (2): Interdisciplinary Research |
Through case studies, students will explore how historical studies connect with other fields and examine the significance of interdisciplinary approaches. |
| Class 6 | Trends and Methods in Historical Studies (3): Historical Studies in the Digital Age |
Introducing quantitative methods and digital humanities, this session focuses on why---especially in the digital and AI era---it is essential to develop the ability to search for sources (information) and to read them critically with attention to reliability and bias. |
| Class 7 | Final Examination and Course Wrap-up |
A final exam will be conducted to assess students’ understanding. The course will then conclude with an overall summary of the key concepts and methods covered. |
Study advice (preparation and review)
To enhance effective learning, students are encouraged to spend approximately 100 minutes preparing for class and another 100 minutes reviewing class content afterwards (including assignments) for each class.
They should do so by referring to course materials.
Textbook(s)
No textbook
Reference books, course materials, etc.
Reference Books on the entire course are as follows (no need to purchase):
1. Department of History, College of Liberal Arts, University of Tokyo, Tōdai Renzoku Kōgi Rekishigaku no Shikōhō [University of Tokyo Lecture series, historical thinking], Tokyo: Iwanami Shoten, 2020.
2. Shuichi Ikegami, Rekishigaku no Sahō [The Etiquette of Historical Studies], Tokyo: Tōkyō daigaku shuppan-kai, 2022.
Evaluation methods and criteria
Reaction papers 30%. End-of-term exam 70% (closed-book, essay-style)
Related courses
- LAH.H205 ： History B
- LAH.H305 ： History C
- LAH.S414 ： Essence of Humanities and Social Sciences14:History
Prerequisites
It is desirable to have prior knowledge of junior high or high school level of history. Nevertheless, the lecturer will proceed the course along with providing basic knowledge of history during the lectures.