Alan Atkinson, in the journey to understand whether or not a ‘good historian’ should allow compassion to stain their work concluded that to not experience and project emotion is inhuman.[1] Similarly, Charles Beard’s 1935 article condemned the possibility of writing an entirely objective history, asserting that this was simply an unachievable yet ‘noble dream’.[2] Despite … Continue reading In what ways do historians’ own personal experiences shape their interpretations of the past?
historydegree
#studentsarepoorbooksareexpensive
One underestimates the quantity of paper and books required to successfully complete a History degree with a first. If someone could buy me my Amazon Wishlist in its entirety, that would be great... #studentsarepoorbooksareexpensive
A Student’s 3 Great Tips For Writing That Darned Essay
It is not uncommon for students to leave an essay to the last minute, be it because you are King Procrastinator, because you would rather be drinking, because this is the one at the bottom of your never ending list of things to do...or because (and I will believe you) you genuinely forgot. I will … Continue reading A Student’s 3 Great Tips For Writing That Darned Essay
Welcome to University!
The Autobiography of an Ex-Colored Man
James Weldon Johnson's novel describing a young boy's discovery that he is black on his path to adulthood is truly moving. I have just begun reading this 100-page marvel and am already fascinated by the journey that this anonymous narrator will take. In a fascinating and unexpected turn for someone with no prior knowledge of … Continue reading The Autobiography of an Ex-Colored Man
Biggest decision of the new year…
To stick with my BBC History magazine subscription or to switch to History Today??
What a depressing image!
Is this really the light at the end of my three-year degree course tunnel? Surely not! However, anyone who has watched the news in the last five years would believe that it is. In the same breath, however, I am going to leave this chart here. Yes, graduates are suffering unemployment, but so is everyone … Continue reading What a depressing image!
Loic Wacquant’s article ‘From Slavery to Mass Incarceration’
For a seminar this morning, I have been reading a number of articles and chapters on the topic of mass incarceration in the United States. One in piqued my interest, however. Loic Wacquant's article, published in the New Left Review in early 2002, offers a fascinating theorem on the continuing confinement of African Americans. Entitled … Continue reading Loic Wacquant’s article ‘From Slavery to Mass Incarceration’
Was Theseus more important to Athens as a monster-slayer or as a political leader?
Ancient history is not my forte, but here is a short exam-style ancient history essay - not referenced. __________________________ Theseus, as a Greek king of the heroic age, played many roles in the development of Athens; these were both political roles in the everyday development of Athens and his less realistic roles as a mythical … Continue reading Was Theseus more important to Athens as a monster-slayer or as a political leader?
What sources do we have for the history of the early Roman Empire, and what problems do we have in their interpretation?
Not an essay I got a particularly great mark on since I spent a lot of the time before the due date in hospital and had to research, write and reference this in the space of a morning, but it is a little different to my normal assignments so possibly still worth a skim-read. ____________________________ … Continue reading What sources do we have for the history of the early Roman Empire, and what problems do we have in their interpretation?
The Historian's Apprentice 