History in Focus

We kick of season 4 with a miniseries titled “State of the Field for Busy Teachers.” In four brief episodes we offer teachers—or really anyone crunched for time—a rapid review of a field of historical scholarship, including how the field has evolved, where it is now, and where one might go to learn more. This first installment features historian Jennifer Hart on the state of the field of African History.

This next installment in our series “State of the Field for Busy Teachers” features historian Ned Blackhawk on the state of the field of Native American History.

This next installment in our series “State of the Field for Busy Teachers” features historian Don Romesburg on the state of the field of LGBTQ+ History.

This final installment in our series “State of the Field for Busy Teachers” features historian Walter Greason on the state of the field of Graphic History.

Kate Carpenter, creator of Drafting the Past and a Princeton PhD candidate, dives into the art of historical writing. She discusses her journey from journalism to academia, emphasizing the importance of curiosity and editing in crafting narratives. Carpenter explores the hidden labor involved in history, the struggles of historians in academia, and how storm chasing intertwines with American culture. Additionally, she reflects on the evolution of climate awareness in writing and shares her hopes for future storytelling projects.

Nile Green, a historian from UCLA specializing in Iran and Islamic South Asia, dives into the complex identity of Asia. He discusses how the term 'Asia' has evolved from ancient Greece to today, highlighting its varied interpretations across cultures. The conversation examines the role of place names like 'Bharat' in shaping identity and geopolitics, and critiques the historical constructs of Asia, encouraging a broader understanding beyond typical Euro-American views. The episode invites listeners to rethink Asia's narratives through a hypothetical Martian lens.

In this discussion, Thy Phu, a media studies expert, reflects on the impact of visuals on war narratives. David Biggs, an environmental historian, explores how perceptions of the Vietnam War have evolved over fifty years. Wen-Qing Ngoei highlights U.S. foreign relations with Southeast Asia in teaching the conflict. Jana Lipman shares insights on using personal stories to connect students with history. Together, they delve into innovative teaching methods, including AI and graphic memoirs, to engage new generations with complex narratives and personal identities.

Historian Lily Pearl Balloffet, who studies South-South connections between Latin America and the Middle East, shares her insights on how the COVID-19 pandemic disrupted vital human relationships in historical research. She reflects on emotional bonds formed through history, the profound loss of a mentor, and navigating grief during the pandemic. Lily also emphasizes the transformative power of friendships in academia, while intertwining themes of nature, memory, and the impact of personal connections in shaping one's scholarly journey.

Katharina Matro, a high school history teacher specializing in U.S. History and AP World History, and Megan Porter, who teaches American Studies and Sociology, delve into the AHA 2025 K-16 Content Cohort. They discuss the importance of resilience in history education and how structured teaching approaches can foster meaningful dialogue amidst today's challenges. The conversation highlights collaborative workshops that integrate AI and emphasizes networking among educators for professional growth, ultimately enriching the teaching experience.

Jo Guldi, a Professor at Emory University and expert in text mining, dives into the revolutionary impact of AI on digital history. She discusses the balance of traditional historiography with emerging technologies, emphasizing transparency and methodological rigor. Guldi shares her journey from traditional research to digital scholarship, critiquing historical data interpretations. With insights on the strengths of Python and R, she highlights the importance of interdisciplinary collaboration to unveil new narratives in history. It's a fascinating exploration of how algorithms reshape our understanding of the past.