Essential Skills for Historians: A Practical Guide to Researching the Past

Description

Essential Skills for Historians helps undergraduate students make the transition from general university study to a more in-depth study of history, and to gain the skills and techniques they need to conduct an independent research project or embark on a career as a professional historian. The book begins with an examination of the historical discipline and its relevance to contemporary culture. It then guides readers through the steps of developing a research project, using two sample projects that illustrate the connections between core proficiencies such as critical thinking and effective time management, and professional proficiencies such as source criticism and historical interpretation. By following these source projects as they develop, the book also highlights the importance of sound historical practice and a critical understanding of the past in contemporary society. Finally, the book discusses the outcomes of historical research and reveals the wide array of possibilities for careers built upon the skills gained from studying history. Covering key topics such as research strategies, reading sources, effective writing and professional ethics - and with useful features such as glossaries, guidelines for student projects, hands-on exercises, further reading and a companion website containing extra resources - Essential Skills for Historians equips aspiring historians with everything they need to succeed whilst also demonstrating the value of history in the wider world.

J. Laurence Hare is Associate Professor of History and Cleveland C. Burton Professor of International Studies at the University of Arkansas, USA. A specialist in the history of modern Germany and Scandinavia, Hare is the author of Excavating Nations (2015). Jack Wells is Associate Professor of History at Emory & Henry College, USA, where he has served as director of the core curriculum. His research focuses on the connections between religion and society in late republican and early imperial Rome. Bruce E. Baker is Reader in American History at Newcastle University, UK and previously Senior Lecturer in United States History at Royal Holloway, University of London, UK, where he won the College Teaching Prize twice. He is a historian of the American South, and his books include After Slavery (2013); and The Cotton Kings (2015).

A clearly-written guide that will help students in history courses at every level develop the overlapping skills they need to tackle research projects small and large. With practical exercises that build historical habits of mind by providing students the opportunity to immediately apply what they have learned, from conceptualization to finished product. The lively personal voice and descriptions of the authors' own experiences lessen the distance between beginning researchers and veteran historians, demystifying the process of research and helping students gain confidence as producers of history in the classroom and the larger community beyond. * Merry Wiesner-Hanks, Distinguished Professor Emerita of History, University of Wisconsin-Madison, USA * This primer provides a nuts-and-bolts, step-by-step guide to students of what history is, how we study it, and how they can write it. It is also inspirational, showing why we should be enthusiastic about historical writing and the great value of studying history. Students and instructors will not only benefit from this book, but will be excited to read it; it truly is essential to our field. * Thomas Zeiler, Professor of Diplomatic History, University of Colorado Boulder, USA * A really informative book that will provide both students and researchers with the basic and advanced skills required to successfully research the past. * Ian Miller, Ulster University, UK *