Narrating the Past

Senior Seminar is the capstone experience for all history majors at Truman State University, a highly selective public liberal arts institution in Kirksville, Missouri. Combining and building on the knowledge in historiography and research skills that students have acquired during their time at the University, it culminates in a major research paper that is subject to rigorous academic standards. Passing the course proves that the students have earned their degree in history. On one hand, students demonstrate an awareness of the intricacies of doing history and being a historian, and on the other hand, apply that awareness in a research paper. Papers from one section of Senior Seminar from Fall 2008 are collected in this volume. The topics range from ancient Rome to women in politics in the contemporary United States. The papers touch on issues of political, social, cultural, and military history.