Publication Date

September 10, 2013

Perspectives Section

News, Perspectives Daily

Comparing Geographical Range between US, Canadian, and UK History Departments

Comparing Geographical Range between US, Canadian, and UK History Departments

On September 11, 12:30–3:00 p.m. EDT, the Institute for Historical Research in London will webcast a live forum, Teaching the Wider World, that responds to an article recently published in Perspectives on History. Keep reading for webcast info, below.

Just how interested are historians in researching the wider world? In May, Perspectives on History ran an article by Luke Clossey and Nicholas Guyatt, based on their survey of the research interests of some 2,500 historians, that raised important questions about just how far the discipline’s vision extends. Even after years of discussion about the importance of researching the wider world, a surprising percentage of historians in the United States, United Kingdom, and Canada, according to the survey, remain focused on Europe and North America.

Following our May publication of these findings, we published reactions by several prominent historians in the US, UK, and Canada. The online forum—featuring Kenneth Pomeranz, Mary Elizabeth Berry, Anne Gerritsen, Kenneth Mills, and Teofilo Ruiz—explored both practical and conceptual barriers standing between historians and the wider world.

Now, the IHR is hosting a “Question Time-style event” with Machel Bogues, Professor Sir Richard Evans, Nicholas Guyatt, Su Lin Lewis, Nicola Sheldon, Jason Todd, and Peter D’Sena. Audience members have been asked to “come ready to engage in the debate and come armed with your questions!” so we can expect a lively exchange.

This post first appeared on AHA Today.