We may earn an affiliate commission when you visit our partners.

History

Save

History is the study of the past, and its impact on the present. It is a broad and diverse field of study, encompassing everything from the rise and fall of civilizations to the everyday lives of ordinary people. Studying history can help us to understand the world around us, and to make informed decisions about the future.

Why Study History?

There are many reasons to study history. Here are just a few:

  • To understand the present. History can help us to understand the roots of our current problems, and to learn from the mistakes of the past.
  • To prepare for the future. By studying history, we can learn from the successes and failures of others, and make better decisions about the future.
  • To satisfy our curiosity. History is full of fascinating stories and characters, and it can be a great way to satisfy our curiosity about the past.
  • To develop our critical thinking skills. Studying history requires us to use critical thinking skills to analyze evidence and to draw conclusions.
  • To appreciate other cultures. History can help us to appreciate the diversity of human cultures, and to learn from the experiences of others.

How to Study History

There are many ways to study history. Here are a few tips:

Read more

History is the study of the past, and its impact on the present. It is a broad and diverse field of study, encompassing everything from the rise and fall of civilizations to the everyday lives of ordinary people. Studying history can help us to understand the world around us, and to make informed decisions about the future.

Why Study History?

There are many reasons to study history. Here are just a few:

  • To understand the present. History can help us to understand the roots of our current problems, and to learn from the mistakes of the past.
  • To prepare for the future. By studying history, we can learn from the successes and failures of others, and make better decisions about the future.
  • To satisfy our curiosity. History is full of fascinating stories and characters, and it can be a great way to satisfy our curiosity about the past.
  • To develop our critical thinking skills. Studying history requires us to use critical thinking skills to analyze evidence and to draw conclusions.
  • To appreciate other cultures. History can help us to appreciate the diversity of human cultures, and to learn from the experiences of others.

How to Study History

There are many ways to study history. Here are a few tips:

  • Take courses in history. This is a great way to learn about the past from experts in the field.
  • Read books and articles about history. There is a wealth of information available in books, articles, and online resources.
  • Visit historical sites. This can help to bring history to life, and to give you a better understanding of the past.
  • Talk to people who have experienced history firsthand. This can be a great way to learn about the past from a personal perspective.

Online Courses in History

There are many online courses available that can help you to learn about history. These courses can be a great way to learn at your own pace, and to fit your studies into your busy schedule. Here are a few of the benefits of taking online courses in history:

  • Flexibility. Online courses allow you to learn at your own pace, and to fit your studies into your busy schedule.
  • Affordability. Online courses are often more affordable than traditional college courses.
  • Variety. There is a wide variety of online courses available, so you can find a course that fits your interests and needs.
  • Convenience. Online courses can be accessed from anywhere with an internet connection, so you can learn from anywhere in the world.

Careers in History

A degree in history can open up a wide range of career opportunities. Here are a few examples:

  • Historian. Historians research, write, and teach about the past.
  • Archivist. Archivists manage and preserve historical documents.
  • Museum curator. Museum curators oversee the collections and exhibits of museums.
  • Librarian. Librarians help people to find and access information, including historical resources.
  • Journalist. Journalists report on current events, and often use history to provide context for their stories.
  • Lawyer. Lawyers use history to research and argue cases.
  • Politician. Politicians use history to understand the current political landscape, and to make informed decisions about the future.
  • Teacher. Teachers use history to teach students about the past, and to help them to develop critical thinking skills.

Conclusion

History is a fascinating and rewarding field of study. It can help us to understand the world around us, and to make informed decisions about the future. If you are interested in learning more about the past, there are many online courses available that can help you to get started.

Path to History

Take the first step.
We've curated 24 courses to help you on your path to History. Use these to develop your skills, build background knowledge, and put what you learn to practice.
Sorted from most relevant to least relevant:

Share

Help others find this page about History: by sharing it with your friends and followers:

Reading list

We've selected 15 books that we think will supplement your learning. Use these to develop background knowledge, enrich your coursework, and gain a deeper understanding of the topics covered in History.
Explores the history of humankind from the Stone Age to the present day, examining the major events, trends, and ideas that have shaped our species.
Takes a unique approach to understanding world history by examining 100 objects from different time periods and cultures, providing a comprehensive overview of human history.
This Pulitzer Prize-winning book examines the factors that have led to the rise and fall of civilizations, arguing that geography, climate, and technology have played a decisive role.
Provides a comprehensive overview of world history from the 15th century to the present day, examining the major events and trends that have shaped the modern world.
Provides a detailed account of the French Revolution and its impact on Europe, arguing that it was a watershed moment in world history.
Explores the ways in which history can help us to understand the present and make better decisions about the future, arguing that history is not simply a record of the past but a living force that shapes our lives.
Examines the reasons why Europe and China diverged economically in the 18th century, arguing that it was due to a combination of factors, including geography, technology, and institutions.
Challenges traditional views of pre-Columbian America, arguing that the Americas were home to complex and sophisticated civilizations before the arrival of Europeans.
Argues for the importance of history in the modern world, arguing that it can help us to understand the challenges we face and make better decisions about the future.
Our mission

OpenCourser helps millions of learners each year. People visit us to learn workspace skills, ace their exams, and nurture their curiosity.

Our extensive catalog contains over 50,000 courses and twice as many books. Browse by search, by topic, or even by career interests. We'll match you to the right resources quickly.

Find this site helpful? Tell a friend about us.

Affiliate disclosure

We're supported by our community of learners. When you purchase or subscribe to courses and programs or purchase books, we may earn a commission from our partners.

Your purchases help us maintain our catalog and keep our servers humming without ads.

Thank you for supporting OpenCourser.

© 2016 - 2024 OpenCourser