Question

what does the study of history entail

Answer 1

1. Transferable skills

Studying History provides a student with skills which are not confined to the study of the past. Skills of analysis are invaluable in many jobs, and the ability to analyse and then prioritise information is vital to decision making. This not only provides a skills set for a student but it also keeps career options open. 

2. History is relevant

There is a stigma attached to History that it is based entirely in the distant past, but this does not account for the huge amount of modern history which is studied in such depth. In order to make sense of current affairs it is important to study the past, as everything which is happening around us has been influenced by, and is a direct result of, that which preceeded it. In this way, the study of History is explicitly relevant to us.  

3. A History degree is an investment in your future

If studied at an esteemed university, a degree in History can be an impressive and attractive feature on a CV. As seen on our History Subject Table, Graduate Prospects in the Top 10 UK universities for History are generally high.  

Like many degrees, History can be easily combined with a number of other subjects. From History & Mathematics, to History & Music and even History & Chinese, the range of joint honours available is seemingly endless. 

5. A degree in History encourages independence 

A degree in History endorses independence in young people. The typically few contact hours offered by a History degree enable students to lead their own inquiries into the past, while still offering the reassurance of a lecturer who can support and help develop potential theories or lines of thought. Knowledge is not just handed over at degree level; it requires hard work, and in a subject dominated by reading, students will develop self-sufficiency and become less dependent pupils. 

6. Studying History provides cultural awareness

By looking at the history of different cultures, a History student can build up a better understanding of why certain peoples act the way they do. Looking at the history of the USA we can see why race tensions continued on past the abolition of slavery and arguably remain today. In reading the history of India we can see why the Caste system still remains in the subcontinent. By studying at the various tributaries of humanity, a broad cultural awareness is yours for the taking.

7. A History degree allows us to learn from the past

If you are to look at human history there are particular patterns which tend to repeat themselves. Whether it is the role of charismatic dictators like Caesar through to Hitler, or the significance of Religion in human conflict, humans have an astounding habit of ignoring the obvious contributing factors which can lead to war and oppression. It is then the job of the Historian to identify where we have been going wrong, comment on it, and attempt to avoid it in the future.

Answer 2

Answer:

History is the study of change over time, and it covers all aspects of human society. Political, social, economic, scientific, technological, medical, cultural, intellectual, religious and military developments are all part of history. ... Historical processes involve complex relations between interrelated factors.