How drawing helps history remain present

In the class 'A history of graphic design' I use drawing as a tool to help students retain what they learn in the lectures and readings. I show examples of how this visual component aids my lessons regarding 'Egyptian books of the dead', 'Industrial Revolution broadsides', 'Modern symbol systems' and a final capstone museum project. My method is applied to more than one cohort of students in different art specialties and design areas. I conclude the article with a summary of my experience using drawing as a tool for retention of historical material and share students' reactions to this method of teaching history.