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Jan 18, 2024 · Learn how to effectively study and improve your history study skills and explore history studying strategies and tips.
Feb 13, 2024 · A history major is a degree path that teaches students to critically examine the past and become informed citizens. Unlike in some high school history courses, where students might spend most...
- Professors’ Tips
- Student Tips
- Final Thoughts
1. Think about the big picture.
“I don’t ask my students to memorize the dates for the Battle of Gettysburg or how many people died, but why it happened and how it impacted events that followed,” says Eric Weeks, an adjunct professor of introductory U.S. history courses at Bridgewater State University in Massachusetts. “One thing I always stress is that history does not occur in a vacuum, so even though the Civil War took place 150-plus years ago, and the Civil Rights Movement 50-plus years ago, those events and eras contin...
2. Read critically.
This will help you streamline reading and maximize your time. Not every single detail in a text is important. Sometimes students are afraid to skim texts or to synthesize information in their own words. Don’t be. “Students are often used to thinking concretely, attaching meaning to exact words,” says Plymouth State University Associate Professor Rebecca Noel, who teaches introductory and advanced history students at the New Hampshire school. “I’ll ask a student to read a section and put the m...
3. Hone your writing.
Essay writing is a large component of history classes. Noel usually assigns four- to five-page essays, and she looks for persuasive arguments, proper grammar, and good use of vocabulary. Consider this your chance to practice, because writing is a key skill in the professional world. “Those mechanics are important. You’re paying tuition to get your writing the best it can be,” she says. Need help? Visit your school’s writing center for help with grammar, developing arguments, and giving struct...
6. Change your medium.
Antonia Totoiu, a University of California at Santa Barbara senior, mastered her history classes by watching YouTube videos to supplement her in-person classes and to deep dive on specific topics, like the Vikings or World War II.
7. Make a time line.
Totoiu writes down time lines using the information from her classes, to put historical events and characters into chronological context. This helps her memorize and visualize different events.
8. Get personal.
Even if you don’t love a class, think about ways that it affects you. For instance, if you’re studying the Civil Rights era, think about lessons you can apply to your life now. Which leaders do you admire? Why? How is your life different because of those events? “If you’re having difficulty or looking just to complete the course, try and find a way to make it your own,” says Weeks. “Try and find something in the course that relates to what you’re more interested in and try to pursue it. At th...
Apr 20, 2023 · A history degree is an academic major focused on the study of past events and people. If you're looking to get a Bachelor's degree in history, you can expect to learn about many different topics, such as American history, European history, Asian history, gender history, politics, economics, sociology, and more.
- Active Reading Techniques: A Journey Through the Ages. Engage in active reading by annotating your history texts. Highlight key information, jot down marginal notes, and ask questions that prompt critical thinking.
- Mnemonics and Memory Aids: Unlocking the Past. Utilize mnemonic devices to remember complex historical terms and chronologies. Acronyms, visual imagery, and memory palaces can help you retain information by creating memorable associations.
- Chronological Mind Mapping: Connecting the Dots. Create chronological mind maps that illustrate the flow of historical events. Visual representations aid in comprehending the sequence of occurrences and the relationships between them.
- Comparative Analysis: Drawing Parallels Across Eras. Compare and contrast historical periods to identify patterns, similarities, and differences. This technique fosters a deeper understanding of historical contexts and facilitates critical analysis.
1. Why Study History? 1.1. To Understand the World. 1.2. Learn from Mistakes. 1.3. Develop Soft Skills. 1.4. Cultural Awareness and Moral Contemplation. 1.5. Develop Research Skills. 2. What Jobs Can You Get If You Study History? 2.1. Teaching. 2.2. Historian. 2.3. Librarian. 2.4. Administrative Work. 2.5. Museum Educator. 2.6.
Sep 17, 2018 · We explore the highs, lows and daily reality of studying for a history degree: what A-levels do you need? How much reading is involved? And what jobs and careers might a history degree prepare you for? Recent history graduate George Evans-Hulme shares his top tips…
