Reflections on Research Applications

How do you think that your historical research has practical applications today?

We cannot understand the present without understanding how it came to be this way. Someone once told me that history is the present, having a conversation with the past about the future. More specifically, historical research reveals options of how to address some of the most pressing social problems of today.

For example, in my course on Poverty, Religion, and Social Change, we start with medieval and early modern models of charity, almsgiving, and poor relief. We discuss the definitions applied to the deserving and unworthy poor as methods of demarcating who would receive aid. We also study the various religious rationales provided to support the care of the poor and the role of civic and church leaders in recognizing people in need, collecting donations and funds, and distributing bread, supplies and money. This historical examination of how earlier generations defined community then guides students to explore a contemporary group, either a foundation, non-profit, or community service organization that addresses a type of poverty or a particular need in today's society. Instead of just studying this topic, this course encourages students to engage in a community service project as a volunteer and reflect on that experience. The combination of study and experience enriches the student's experience and creates empathy for historical figures as well as a greater understanding of the complexity in current situations.