A well-trained student of history is capable of handling the material from the past and case studies pertaining to social change. A list of these skills is presented here, and many of them overlap. But all of them can be useful. If you’re considering a career in history, consider the following:
Historical causes: The ’causes of history’ are what caused events to occur. In this approach, the cause of the change is understood, embodied in the actions of historical actors. For example, the cause of the Great Depression can be traced back to the actions of the American workers’ union, which helped to end slavery. However, there are some differences between these two approaches. Historical causes are more complex. Individuals’ actions and responses can shape the evolution of historical causes.
Sources: In addition to primary sources, historians consult other historians for ideas. Secondary sources include books, monographs, and scholarly articles. Historians must think carefully about the information they collect and weave it together to form a coherent narrative. Then, they can apply their findings to a particular time and place. This is a difficult process, and requires a thorough understanding of a wide variety of sources. The history of a particular period can be very different than its contemporary equivalent.
Hermeneutics: Hermeneutics requires historians to examine the nexus of memory and experience. It requires that historians study the sources in a variety of ways and discern how they are thematic. Attention to memory and history helps historians appreciate the agency of human memory. Museums and monuments act as curators of historical memories. So, the focus of hermeneutics is the way we interpret historical events and their implications.
A good historian can select a scale that encompasses enough time and space to be interesting, but not so broad that it fails to offer a valid analysis. The appropriate scale is regional, national, or supranational. This scale allows historians to make relevant judgments about social processes. These scales are often termed “meso-history,” as they provide the perfect blend of generality and specificity. So, if you want to study the world from an academic perspective, you’ll be happy to read this guide.
An effective historiographical essay focuses on the interpretation of a historical event and requires students to explain different schools of thought. The American Revolution’s historiography, for example, can be seen as a shift from Whig to Progressive interpretations. Whig historians focus on political ideology and the actions of powerful individuals, whereas progressive historians are concerned with the social factors of the Revolution. If you’re uncertain of the right perspective, consider writing a book review that explains the conflict in historiographical context.
Koselleck developed a concept that he called the “space of experience.” This conceptual category can be derived from the horizon of expectation. In this way, he attempts to understand the conceptualization of history in its various forms. Koselleck’s work is centered on defining the terms of experience and action within historical categories. And he aims to examine the concept of modernity in history. Koselleck’s work is a fine example of this approach.