Power and the Production of History Summer Course
    In-person Program

    Power and the Production of History Summer Course

    by Brown Pre-College Programs

    Explore how power shapes historical narratives through archives, monuments and museums, then put public history into practice by collaboratively curating an exhibit.

    Last verified: 9 Oct 2026Reviewed by:BSBen Stacy

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    Power and the Production of History at a glance: cost, dates and eligibility

    Current status

    Upcoming

    Eligibility

    Completing grades 9-12

    Age range / Year group

    Ages 14-18

    Location / Region

    Brown University, Providence, Rhode Island, United States

    Cost

    $3,748; $3,096

    Duration

    1 week

    Format

    In-person

    Next deadline

    Not announced · Next cycle not announced

    Get next-cycle reminder
    HistoryHumanities
    Accommodation: University residence halls
    Meals: Residential: three; commuter: one daily
    Certificate / Outcome: Digital certificate; non-credit
    Sessions / cadence: 5 × 170-minute classes; 2-3-hour daily homework
    Tutor: Istifaa Ahmed
    Main output: Collaborative small-scale exhibition
    Campus experience: Workshops, activities and excursions

    Power and the Production of History summary

    Brown's course explores who gets to shape historical narratives and how archives, monuments and museums influence public memory.

    You combine critical reading and seminar discussion with practical public history work, including a monument proposal, object label and collaborative exhibit.

    It suits students who enjoy questioning accepted narratives and want to connect historical analysis with museums, public art or community engagement.

    What is Power and the Production of History Summer Course?

    Power and the Production of History is a Brown University Pre-College course examining how societies produce historical knowledge. It considers silences in historical narratives and the influence of colonialism, slavery, genocide and resistance on what gets remembered.

    Students investigate archives, monuments, museums and art through readings, podcasts, documentaries and discussions with practitioners. Seminar conversations and writing lead into a collaboratively curated exhibit, connecting historical interpretation with the work of public historians and cultural critics.

    Why Succeed highlights Power and the Production of History

    • The course makes historical interpretation tangible through a class exhibit rather than relying entirely on essays.

    • Archives, monuments and museums give students concrete settings in which to test questions about power and representation.

    • Readings sit alongside podcasts, documentaries and practitioner discussions, offering several ways into challenging material.

    • The stated outcomes connect academic analysis with public communication and community engagement.

    Who is Power and the Production of History for?

    Best for

    Students interested in history, museums, public art or social justice who enjoy reading, discussion and collaborative creative work.

    Not ideal if

    You want a chronological survey of historical events, college credit or a campus experience with continuous individual supervision.

    Is Power and the Production of History worth it?

    The strongest reason to choose this course is its combination of historical critique and public-facing practice. Writing labels and curating an exhibit can help you test whether museum work, public history or cultural studies interests you beyond classroom reading.

    The concentrated format offers an introduction rather than sustained research training. It is non-credit, and Brown does not frame Pre-College as an undergraduate admissions prospecting program, so judge its value by the learning and work you would gain.

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    A practical overview of cost, accommodation, meals, dates and provider details to review before deciding.

    Cost and what is included

    $3,748; $3,096; includes One week of course instruction., Residential housing and three meals daily., One daily campus meal for commuters., Fitness, athletic and aquatics center access., Program activities and excursions., Digital certificate after successful completion..

    Accommodation

    University residence halls

    Meals

    Residential: three; commuter: one daily

    Provider details

    Review the Brown Pre-College Programs provider page and official sources before making a final decision.

    Dates and logistics

    1 week; Brown University, Providence, Rhode Island, United States.

    What to check before committing

    Confirm current dates, payment terms, travel arrangements, cancellation rules and what is included with the provider.

    Compare this program with similar options before deciding on dates, cost, format and fit.

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    How much preparation does Power and the Production of History need?

    Effort level

    Intensive, with daily classes and substantial homework.

    Best started

    Six to eight weeks before a future cycle's application deadline, allowing longer for language testing and travel.

    Main challenge

    Turning complex ideas about power and representation into clear public history work.

    Typical preparation

    • Practice analyzing a historical source and explaining whose perspective it represents.

    • Visit a museum or memorial and consider what its labels emphasize or omit.

    • Prepare your application essay and academic records independently, with time for revision.

    • Plan how you will balance classes, daily homework and campus activities.

    Useful if

    You want to test your interest in college-level history and cultural studies.

    What do students do on Power and the Production of History?

    You investigate how historical accounts are constructed, then translate that analysis into public history practice. Discussion and writing support a class exhibition that brings questions of truth, power and representation into a concrete output.

    Step-by-step process

    1. 1

      Analyze primary sources and secondary readings about historical knowledge and power.

    2. 2

      Discuss archives, museums, monuments and public memory through case studies.

    3. 3

      Connect course material with personal experience through discussion posts and writing.

    4. 4

      Write a monument proposal and an object label.

    5. 5

      Collaborate with classmates to curate a small-scale exhibition.

    Power and the Production of History dates and deadlines

    Next cycle not announced yet. These dates are from the latest verified cycle and should be used as a reference only.

    Application deadline

    15 May 2026

    Brown's application page lists this date; its FAQ lists 8 May.

    Reference date

    Programme dates

    22-26 June 2026

    Reference date

    Applications open

    14 January 2026

    Brown Pre-College application cycle.

    Reference date

    Registration opens

    20 January 2026

    Course enrollment for admitted students.

    Reference date

    Final admission decisions

    22 May 2026

    Reference date

    Residential check-in

    21 June 2026

    9 a.m.-1 p.m. ET; student orientation follows.

    Reference date

    Eligibility and requirements

    • Completing grades 9-12.

    • Ages 14-18 by 14 June 2026.

    • Strong English proficiency.

    • Prior U.S. history knowledge helpful, but not required.

    • Brown Pre-College admission and separate course enrollment required.

    • Required immunizations for in-person participation.

    How much does Power and the Production of History cost?

    Residential program fee

    $3,748 — One-week 2026 course with housing and meals.

    Funding or discounts

    • Commuter program fee: $3,096 — One campus meal daily and campus resource access.
    • Application fee: $80 — Non-refundable; fee waivers have eligibility restrictions.
    • Enrollment deposit: $500 — Non-refundable, except qualifying Brown course cancellations.
    • Scholarships: Sibley or PPSD — Separate application and U.S. status eligibility rules apply.
    • Required insurance: $80 — Applies to international students and U.S. students without qualifying coverage.

    What's included

    One week of course instruction., Residential housing and three meals daily., One daily campus meal for commuters., Fitness, athletic and aquatics center access., Program activities and excursions., Digital certificate after successful completion.

    How to apply to Power and the Production of History

    1. 1

      Create one applicant account in the Brown Pre-College student portal.

    2. 2

      Complete the application form and write the required 250-500-word essay.

    3. 3

      Submit current and previous academic-year grades in English and pay the $80 application fee or obtain a waiver.

    4. 4

      Provide language test results when required and any recommendation you elect or are asked to submit.

    5. 5

      Monitor your portal for missing materials and your admissions decision.

    6. 6

      After admission, confirm your course choice before paying the $500 non-refundable deposit.

    7. 7

      Separately enroll in Power and the Production of History, Course 10201, and complete the required health and enrollment forms.

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    What does Power and the Production of History cover?

    The program covers the following focus areas.

    Power and historical silences

    Examine how colonialism, slavery, genocide and resistance shape historical narratives.

    Archives and knowledge

    Analyze ownership, authority and representation in archives and historical knowledge production.

    Monuments and public memory

    Explore how memorials and monuments communicate history and propose your own monument.

    Museums and exhibition practice

    Write an object label and collaboratively curate a small-scale exhibition.

    Curriculum may be adjusted based on participant interests and current developments.

    What is a typical day on Power and the Production of History?

    A typical day during the program.

    Course meetings

    12:15-3:05 p.m. ET, totaling 14 hours 10 minutes across five classes.

    Independent work

    At least two to three hours of homework, with students managing their own study time.

    Campus activities

    Optional workshops, activities and events fit around academic commitments.

    Residential check in

    Face-to-face check-in at 10 p.m. ET; remain on your floor until 6 a.m.

    Who teaches on Power and the Production of History?

    Istifaa Ahmed is listed as the instructor for Course 10201. The course also incorporates discussions with practitioners, and Summer@Brown students can use instructor office hours and writing support.

    Where do students stay on Power and the Production of History?

    Residential plan

    • University residence halls: Furnished campus rooms include wireless internet and portable or central air conditioning.
    • Three daily meals: Breakfast, lunch and dinner are included in Brown's dining halls.
    • Staff and nightly check-ins: Trained residence staff provide support, with a required 10 p.m. face-to-face check-in.
    • Campus facilities: Fees include fitness, athletic and aquatics center access, plus program activities and excursions.

    Non-residential plan

    • Commuter attendance: Attend the same in-person course and use campus resources and activities without a room assignment.
    • Commuter meal and facilities: One campus meal daily and fitness, athletic and aquatics center access are included.

    Rooms may be single, double or triple occupancy; roommate requests are not honored, and students bring their own bedding and towels.

    What happens after Power and the Production of History?

    After completing this program, participants often pursue:

    Build a foundation for college-level introductory history.

    Prepare for academic research or a local-history community project.

    Explore interests in public art, museum work and social justice.

    Create a monument proposal, object label and collaborative exhibition.

    Earn a digital certificate through successful completion.

    The course is non-credit; its one-week duration does not qualify for a Course Performance Report.

    Where does Power and the Production of History take place?

    The course takes place on Brown University's campus in Providence, Rhode Island. Residential check-in is at Sayles Hall on the Main Green, and students and families arrange their own transportation.

    Students may explore Rhode Island independently while meeting class and curfew requirements; out-of-state travel requires advance parent or guardian authorization.

    Power and the Production of History FAQs

    Prior knowledge of U.S. history is helpful but not required. The course emphasizes analyzing historical narratives and public memory.

    You will write a monument proposal and an object label, and collaborate with classmates on a small-scale exhibition.

    The listed section meets Monday-Friday from 12:15 to 3:05 p.m. ET. Summer@Brown expects at least two to three hours of homework daily, so plan for study time beyond class.

    The course is non-credit and does not result in a university transcript. Successful completion earns a digital certificate.

    No. Brown provides Course Performance Reports for in-person courses lasting at least 10 days, while this course lasts one week.

    Yes. Summer@Brown offers a commuter option with one campus meal per day and access to campus resources, activities and fitness facilities. A campus room is not included.

    Trained residence staff provide support, required nightly check-ins and 24/7 on-call assistance. Students are expected to act independently and may explore Rhode Island between required commitments.

    Brown says Pre-College is not an undergraduate admissions prospecting program. Successful completion can demonstrate subject interest, but participation should be judged primarily by its academic value.

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    Ben Stacy

    Content reviewed by

    Ben Stacy

    Co-founder, Succeed | Former secondary teacher and educational leader

    Ben works at the intersection of education, technology and school adoption, with expertise in how secondary schools evaluate data-driven tools and how education technology is used in practice.

    Sources and verification

    Source types reviewed

    • Handbook of Pre-College Policies | Pre-College Program | Brown University
    • Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) | Pre-College Program | Brown University
    • Summer@Brown On Campus | Pre-College Program | Brown University
    • Financial Policies and Payment Information | Pre-College Program | Brown University
    • Admissions Decisions | Pre-College Program | Brown University
    • Application Checklist | Pre-College Program | Brown University
    • Apply | Pre-College Program | Brown University
    • Summer@Brown
    • Program Dates and Costs | Pre-College Program | Brown University
    • 2026 Program Costs — Breakdown of Fees
    • Power and the Production of History - Pre-College Course Catalog"

    Succeed uses official provider information where available, but keeps this public page focused on comparison and planning inside Succeed.

    What we verified (on 9 Oct 2026)

    • Official course page checked

    • Eligibility requirements reviewed

    • Class schedule checked

    • Residential and commuter fees checked

    • Application deadline discrepancy identified

    • Certificate conditions reviewed

    • Student support policies reviewed

    How Succeed uses this information

    We use source material to verify core facts, then show older cycle dates as reference when a current cycle is not available. Always check current application instructions before applying.