History is most powerful when it is used to explain the present. Departing from traditional practice, this course will explore the historical roots of current events. Rather than looking forward, as is customary, this class gazes backwards. By historicizing the news, students will be able to: Develop nuanced critical thinking and reading skills; Pursue research on subjects that feel personally relevant and urgent; Write academic and journalistic prose; Debate and discuss pressing social, political, cultural, and economic issues; Practice civic engagement and active citizenship; and Engage with scholarly and mainstream news sources from a variety of mediums and political perspectives.