1. Theory of Knowledge focus
What is History? Why is it deemed a special 'Area of Knowledge'? Can we ever establish the truth of what happened in the past?
Below are a selection of resources that will stretch and enhance your understanding of the discipline of History. The are excellent aids for students wishing to navigate ToK assessments, university applications, IAs and more.
a) Scholars
i) Herbert Butterfield: Required reading for all undergraduate historians, Herbert Butterfield's The Whiggish Interpretation of History has been crucial in the development of the modern conception of the discipline of History. In this very short book, he laid the ground work for a sound understanding of the challenges facing the historian (and the reader) as a consequence of confirmation bias and a desire to construct a narrative of progress (a form of teleological fallacy).
Click here to read The Whiggish Interpretation of History
Butterfield's work, early as it was, is controversial and flawed.
Click here for a review of his work by William Cronon, from 2012.
Click here to read The Whiggish Interpretation of History
Butterfield's work, early as it was, is controversial and flawed.
Click here for a review of his work by William Cronon, from 2012.
ii) Professor Arthur Marwick: Marwick's concise article The Fundamentals of History does a superb job of articulating the job of the historian and the nature of the discipline. This is highly recommended to anyone interested in what we mean by 'history' and the function and methodology of the historian.
Click here to read The Fundamentals of History
iii) E.H. Carr: Carr's What is History? has become the standard reading for any students facing a university interview for History. It is a well written and thought provoking book that, if you take the tine to read the whole work, will raise many compelling (and troubling) issues about your chosen field of study.
Click here to read What is History?
Carr's work has been subject to criticism and review. Click here to find a recent re-appraisal.
b) Media
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Top TED Talks: Download this spreadsheet of 20 TED Talks every historian should listen to. This is an outstanding resource courtesy of activehistory.co.uk
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Stuff You Should Know: Revisionist History: An accessible and entertaining podcast dealing with the development of 'revisionist historical theories.
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What's the difference between History and the Past?: A PBS Idea Channel discussion of why the past is not the same as what we call 'History'. Accessible and concise.
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c) Useful Quotes
'History is the version of past events that people have decided to agree upon.'
Napoleon Bonaparte
If you enjoy quotes (and they can be useful to prompt debate) click here to find many more.
Napoleon Bonaparte
If you enjoy quotes (and they can be useful to prompt debate) click here to find many more.
2. University Applications in History
All applicants should have a decent knowledge of the issues raised by the resources above - this needs to be reflected in your application statements and will certainly be heavily featured in any Oxbridge (or equivalent) interviews.
3. Curriculum Related Extensions
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SPS: Nazi Germany
The Cold War
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SPS: Fidel Castro
Move to Global War: Europe
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Move to Global War Japan
Americas During WW2
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Americas and the Great Depression
Americas and the Cold War
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