History is the study of the past. The academic subject uses a narrative to describe, examine, question, and analyse a sequence of past events, and investigate the patterns of cause and effect that are related to them. Historians place the past in context using historical sources such as written documents, oral accounts, ecological markers, and material objects including art and artifacts.
It is the study of change over time, and it covers all aspects of human society. History is an intellectual discipline practiced by historians who try to make sense of the past. Because history is about change, nothing was ever “always” a certain way.
History can also mean a story or a tale and will start with the common phrase “Once upon a time…”.
Within Western tradition, the father of history is considered Herodotus, a 5th century BC Greek historian. This is because he was the first person to travel to distant lands and make written records of history.
It is said that he was an engaging narrator with a deep interest in the customs of the people he described. Along with Thucydides he helped form the foundations for the modern study of human history.
History is for the curious and the ones who are hungry to find out more. Historians are experts in examining and interpreting human identities and transformations of societies and civilizations over time. They use a range of methods and analytical tools to answer questions about the past and to reconstruct the diversity of past human experiences.
Studying history helps us understand complex questions and dilemmas by examining how the past has shaped global, national, and local relationships between societies and people. Because history gives us the tools to analyse and explain problems in the past, this allows us to see patterns that might otherwise be invisible and by using these examples we can solve problems in the present and in the future.
History is a multifaceted discipline that will increase your cultural awareness and moral understanding of the world we live in. So, if you are intrigued by our past and want to learn how it will shape our future, you should consider studying history.
Common jobs for people who decide to study history include:
Furthermore, other degrees require knowledge in history, such as:
History graduates have strong analytical and communication skills which can be put to good use in careers in business, finance, HR and law.
History lessons can start from around £18, and some tutors or teachers offer a first trial lesson free.
There are many tutors, teachers, instructors and service providers of varying experience and expertise, therefore the price can vary greatly. You must factor in location, the level of study for each course, your commitment, and the length of lessons.
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