In this article, the author describes a syllabus which he designed in his United States history survey courses to help his students learn to think like historians. It contains important information about the way historians work and think, along with descriptions of the reading materials the student will use to further their practice of history.…

A course is designed to introduce the student of history to available bibliographic tools. A systematic program through which use proficiency is gained includes varied learning activities and experiences which include preparation of a resource bibliography, a lecture series, use of audiovisual tutorial machines and a systematic program of…

An effective essay assignment in an introductory college history course should: (1) acquaint the student with the problematical nature of historical evidence; (2) challenge the student to interpret evidence; (3) facilitate critical skill acquisition; and (4) encourage formulation of further questions. History course evaluations are presented.…

College students reacted very positively to an introductory U.S. history survey course which required them to analyze what happened and why and to communicate cogently the results of the analyses in essays. The four major themes for structuring the course are discussed. (RM)