معرفی
Stephen Robertson is Professor in the Department of History & Art History at George Mason University, where he specializes in 20th century US history with expertise in digital history, spatial history, legal history, and urban history. He previously served as Director of the Roy Rosenzweig Center for History and New Media (2013-2019) and was a member of the Department of History at the University of Sydney from 2000-2013.
Robertson's research focuses on using digital methods to analyze historical events and patterns, particularly in Harlem during the 1920s-1930s. His work combines traditional historical scholarship with innovative digital approaches to spatial analysis and visualization. He has developed significant expertise in the history of private investigation in America and the transformation of legal culture regarding sexual violence against children.
His research interests include:
- Digital history methodology and publication forms
- Spatial analysis of historical events
- 20th century US urban history, particularly Harlem
- History of private investigation and surveillance
- Legal history of sexual violence against children
- History of gambling and underground economies
Robertson's scholarly awards include the American Historical Association's Rosenzweig Prize for Innovation in Digital History and the American Library Association's ABC-CLIO Digital History Prize, both awarded in 2010 for his Digital Harlem project. His publications span traditional academic monographs, digital scholarship, and articles in leading historical journals.
As an advisor, Robertson guides MA students through the Department of History & Art History at George Mason University, with regular Zoom office hours for advising. His teaching focuses on digital scholarship forms, spatial history methods, and the practical application of digital tools to historical research questions.
His current research projects include 'Disagreeable Detective Work: Private Investigation in the US from the Civil War to WW2' and 'Law & Order in the Suburbs: Fairfax County, Virginia, 1945-1980,' both examining the transformation of law enforcement and surveillance practices in American history.
