New course The History of Now looks at current events in a historical context

*Editor's Note: This story is the first in a series highlighting the ways OHIO is teaching students about major topics going on today.

After the past year, it feels safe to say that future history books will contain quite a bit of information regarding currents events that are happening today. However, what exactly will they say about these events?

The College of Arts and Sciences has unveiled a new undergraduate and graduate course called The History of Now (HIST 3147 and HIST 5147) that focuses on the most significant historical events from 1989 until present day. The course is meant to be student-driven as much as possible and to break down stereotypes surrounding these events to understand the factual information.

“We live in a society in which we receive so much information that it can be hard to decipher what events are truly historical,” professor of history Kevin Mattson said. “I created this course because I wanted students to gain a historical perspective about contemporary society and to truly understand the difference between historical events and everyday information.”

One assignment for the course will ask students to examine a specific event that they have lived through and why it deserves to have historical perspective.

The course will cover events such as the Los Angeles riots, the Oklahoma City bombing, the Al Gore vs. George Bush presidential election, the Sept. 11 attacks, the 2008 stock market crash, both President Obama and President Trump’s time in office and COVID-19.  

“I am excited for students to look back and understand why these events were so impactful,” Mattson said. “My goal is to challenge students to think about if credible sources are covering these events.”

This course if offered to any student, but is recommended for students in the E.W. Scripps School of Journalism due to its focus on events happening now.