What is History's Role in Society?

More good stuff from Radio 4. Here is a transcript from last week's "Point of View" by the writer and broadcaster Sarah Dunant explaining quite clearly what the purpose of History is.

"The humanities," she writes, "alongside filling one in on human history, teach people how to think analytically while at the same time noting and appreciating innovation and creativity. Not a bad set of skills for most jobs wouldn't you say?"

There are further thought-provoking comments within the article and also a useful guide to some of the ways that the study of History has evolved in recent years - very valuable information in particular for personal statement writers...

A Point of View covers all sorts of interesting topics and you can download many of them as podcasts here.

PS: The image above came from a google search of "Purpose of History" - make of it what you will!

Historical Novels

The summer holidays are almost here, and hopefully this will bring a chance to do a bit of reading, particularly for those who are thinking about their personal statements. Here is an article from the blog that has some non-fiction recommendations, and here is a list of 10 historical novels recommended by the author Andrew Miller. They cover a wide range of periods, from Rosemary Sutcliff's Roman epice "The Eagle of the Ninth" through to "The Siege of Krishnapur" by J G Farrell, set during the Indian Mutiny. He also includes Hilary Mantel - not for her most recent Tudor novel "Wolf Hall", but instead for "A Place of Greater Safety", set during the French Revolution, with many famous figures from the period featuring within it.

Please let us know if you have any recommendations of your own - we would gladly welcome some book reviews!

PS: The image above of the Tennis Court Oath was taken from this surprisingly helpful "How Stuff Works" article on the French Revolution.

Personal Statement Tips

Here are a few useful tips from University College London on what you should and shouldn't put into your personal statement if applying for a History course. (These lessons of course apply very well for Politics applications too!) For example:

1. Don't write an essay on why History is important - admission tutors already know this becuause they have chosen to be historians! Instead focus on WHY you want to study History and concentrate on your own relationship with the subject.

2. Back up your claims with evidence - mention something specific that has drawn you to the subject, such as a book or a museum.

3. Use your other interests and activities to give a rounded sense of yourself and show how these relate to your historical interests.

History and Politics at University

If you are thinking of studying History or Politics (or a similarly themed degree) at university, please come along to the HP society on Tuesday (1.20 in Room 104) where there will be the chance to hear from former students about their experiences and get advice on personal statements and UCAS applications. There might even be a chance for the teachers to reminisce about their student days!

PS: Here is some data from the Guardian about univeristies offering History and Politics - although its provenance is a little unclear. There is some more general information here.