A Confident Humility: MPP Students and the Uses of History

Abstract

The inclusion of history courses in MPP programs offers distinct challenges but also important opportunities for students. I argue that the most obvious “uses” of history such as historical literacy or decision-making tools are less important than the reflective self-awareness that can be built through the careful study of the past. In particular, history builds familiarity with the long-term temporal frameworks of policy development and also helps students develop a critical sensibility about prevailing policy approaches. This is based in a historically grounded “confident humility” about both the potential and the limitations of policy analysis and application. Finally, I maintain that history can provide a source of deep optimism in a period of mistrust of public and private institutions. Although sometimes subtle, these attributes constitute a critical part of a full MPP curriculum.

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