Practical Guide to Studying History: Skills and Approaches

A Practical Guide to Studying History provides an accessible introduction to studying history at undergraduate level. Because it combines practical instruction in reading, researching and writing history with discussion of important conceptual approaches to the discipline, this is the only guide students will need as they embark on degree-level study. It:- introduces students to the concepts of historical objectivity, frameworks and debate;- explains the differences in aims, methods and audiences for different types of history;- explores the relationship between the skills developed during a history undergraduate degree and the practice of professional history; and- helps students develop the practical skills to read historical writing critically, to write good essays, and to participate successfully in historical debates.The book incorporates case studies taken from a range of regions and periods, reflecting the varied nature of historical study at university and drawing on the expertise of an impressive collection of scholars. Study questions, further reading lists, text boxes, maps and illustrations are also included to offer variety in this engaging student text. By treating undergraduates as apprentice historians,A Practical Guide to Studying History helps students to understand history, and to practice it successfully: it is an indispensable guide to studying history.