History is the study of past events. It is the discipline that aims to find out what happened in the past by analysing written and oral accounts and physical artifacts from the time. Historians also seek to understand how the past influences the present by studying societal and economic change over time. History is widely taught at all levels of school, but it also has many uses beyond the classroom. Many people use history to establish their family or national identity, for example. People may also use it to learn more about their health, for example by reading about Florence Nightingale’s work on hospitals.
It is said that those who do not know history are doomed to repeat it, although there is an argument that this is not necessarily true. History can help us learn lessons from the past and avoid making similar mistakes in the future. It can also teach us about the power of change and how we are not stuck with the same problems forever.
Those who love to study history are often passionate about it and will want to pursue it as a career. However, there are some who are not naturally drawn to this subject and need to be convinced of the value of learning it. Any subject that is not widely accepted needs to convince audiences why it is worth their attention and this can be difficult for history.
Some historians focus on particular aspects of the discipline, such as epochs, the study of periods of time. Others like to investigate certain individuals or groups of people, such as eminent leaders or famous innovators. This approach to history is known as ‘top-down’ history, as it looks at great figures who shape the course of history. The ancient Greek writer Plutarch used this approach, writing histories which were almost biographies of important figures and explaining how their actions shaped a nation or society.
Other historians, such as those who were influenced by Marxist thought, believe that history is shaped by class struggle. This means that the richer classes control and exploit the poorer ones, which is reflected in a society’s political and social structure. Historians who study this theory of history call it the’material dialectic’.
The word ‘history’ derives from the Latin verb ‘to remember,’ which means to tell stories or anecdotes. It is this oral tradition that forms the basis for history, but it also includes books, films and other sources of information about the past. These can be accessed through libraries and archives. It is important to choose a university that has strong links with these resources. These will enable students to gain valuable hands-on experience and develop their skills in research. Some universities will offer the opportunity for students to get involved in historical projects as part of their degree. This is a great way to see first-hand how an historian works and what it involves. Other ways to enhance a student’s knowledge of history include watching movies that portray the past, such as Schindler’s List or The Boy in the Striped Pajamas, and reading biographies of significant historical figures.