Studying history

Abstract

history is a demanding subject. Some of the most important features of this evolving and vibrant area of human knowledge have been discussed in previous chapters. A knowledge of what history is, how it evolved and its major currents and themes is, of course, vital to provide a context for your learning. At this juncture, however, our emphasis changes, for we must turn to the question of you — the students — as historians in your own right. Read as a whole, this book is noticeably about two constituencies: historians and students of history. The two are not entirely separate. The best students and the best historians are usually the ones who know the other’s needs, aspirations and intentions. From here, therefore, we are concerned to try to give you guidance for your own personal development as historians. Not all students pursue historical studies to become historians; that much is clear. At the same time, however, it is obviously important that all students studying A level or reading for a degree should get the most from it.