Studying history teaches students how to process and analyze facts. It allows them to see patterns and connections that might have been missed. It also helps them gain a deeper appreciation for the journey humanity has taken to get where it is today, which in turn can transform how they view themselves as individuals and citizens.
In fact, a good historian can teach you how to use the past as a guide for your future choices and actions, according to Christian Renzi ’22G, an SNHU graduate who studied American history during his degree program. Renzi says that the subject helped him develop skills that he uses every day at work, and has made him more thoughtful about his own role in society.
Many people might wonder why someone would devote themselves to the study of history when there is so much else to do. After all, the subject can be boring and full of minutiae. But, as the renowned historian Eric Hobsbawm once noted, “History is not just a collection of dates and names; it is a way of understanding our world and our place within it.”
The truth is that without knowledge of the past, we will never have a common memory of where we come from. That’s why it is so important to teach children about the past from a young age.
Historians spend their careers researching, evaluating, and writing using the evidence left behind by past actors. This evidence can include anything from written records, to Hollywood films, to physical artifacts and beyond. They also keep in mind other historians’ writings, which are referred to as secondary sources. Ultimately, the historical narratives scholars (including you) create depend on their interpretation of these various sources.
This means that even though historians try to be objective and unbiased, they always have a certain point of view. But that’s okay, because all of us have a point of view, and it is what makes each of us unique.
History is also a great tool for discovering the similarities and differences between cultures. In a society that is more diverse than ever before, it is important to understand our shared history and how we got where we are today.
To those who believe that knowledge of history should not be taught in schools, there is one obvious answer: It’s the best way to ensure that our students are fully prepared for the real world. By studying history, students can learn to recognize and appreciate cultural differences and become leaders of their own communities. For more on how the study of history can help you grow and succeed in life, check out our blog on How to Use History to Transform Your Life. And, if you’re ready to discover more about the past and how it can shape your future, consider pursuing a master’s in American history at SNHU. Our tuition-free programs can help you reach your career goals while transforming into the person you want to be.