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Arizona State University is Blending Online Learning with Hands-On Historical Research

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Arizona State University’s School of Historical, Philosophical and Religious Studies has redefined online graduate education with its Scotland Archive Experience. This innovative hybrid program blends online learning with a hands-on study abroad component, allowing students to study into the heart of historical research in Edinburgh, Scotland.

The program was developed in partnership with the University of Edinburgh, aiming to eliminate the geographical limitations of online education. During the inaugural summer 2024 session, 12 Master of Arts in History students participated, combining asynchronous coursework with an intensive two-week archival immersion in Edinburgh’s Old Town. The students examined Scotland’s historical intersections with global events, exploring diverse topics like the Temperance movement, abolitionism, and WWII gender dynamics.

Scotland Archive Experience: Online Learning Meets Hands-On Research

Key Highlights of the Scotland Archive Experience

FeatureDescription
LocationEdinburgh, Scotland
DurationTwo weeks in archives
Participants12 (diverse professional backgrounds)
Funding50% partially funded; 1 fully funded
Notable ScholarshipLaura Harris Hales Graduate Student Award

Hands-on Historical Research

The Scotland experience provided students with a rare opportunity to work directly with physical historical documents, such as unpublished manuscripts, personal letters, and newspapers. For many, it was their first time stepping away from digital archives and handling original historical sources.

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“The Scotland study abroad trip provided an invaluable opportunity to fully immerse ourselves in historical research,” said James Ayer, a participant. “Engaging directly with primary sources deepened my understanding of Scottish history, enhancing both my personal and academic growth.”

Participants included high school history teachers, attorneys, and other professionals, showcasing the program’s diverse appeal. For Jessica Barker, the trip was transformative. “The trip made me realize that I wanted to shift career paths and focus more on being a historian, doing research, or working in higher education or a museum,” she shared.

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Making It Accessible

Accessibility and affordability were key pillars of the program. Fifty percent of participants received partial funding, and one student fully funded their trip through scholarships. The Laura Harris Hales Graduate Student Research Scholarship Award played a significant role in easing financial burdens. Named after an alumna and author who passed away in 2022, the scholarship supports online graduate students pursuing research and professional development.

The Future of Graduate Education

Program leads Katy Kole de Peralta and James Dupey envision a bright future for this initiative. “The Scotland archive experience is the future of graduate education at ASU,” Dupey emphasized. “It embraces the university mission of access, academic excellence, and public service by offering a transformative educational opportunity.”

Plans are underway to expand the program, ensuring more students benefit from this unique blend of online and on-site learning.

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ASU’s Scotland Archive Experience has set a new benchmark for online graduate programs. By combining rigorous academics with hands-on research in a historically rich setting, it offers students an unparalleled educational journey. 

This program not only enhances academic and professional skills but also inspires career shifts and personal growth. Read more on their official website.

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