For more information about this major at Bluffton University, please visit the history department's Web page: www.bluffton.edu/his
History is one of the subjects at the very core of a liberal arts education. Through the study of the past, you are challenged to develop skills that can be used in a number of careers. These skills include analytical reading and writing, research and analyzing a body of data with insight and perspective. Historians research, analyze and interpret the past. They use many resources of information in their research, including government and institutional records, newpapers and other periodicals, photographs, interviews, films and unpublished manuscripts such as personal diaries and letters. Historians usually specialize in a specific country or region; in a particular time period; or in a particular field, such as social, intellectual, political or diplomatic history. Biographers collect detailed information on individuals. Genealogists trace family histories. Other historians help study and preserve archival materials, artifacts and historic buildings and sites.
American Historical Association
400 A Street SE
Washington, DC 20003-3889
www.theaha.org
Organization of American Historians
112 North Bryan Street
Bloomington, Indiana 47408-4199
www.indiana.edu/~oah
American Political Science Association
1527 New Hampshire Avenue NW
Washington, DC 20036-1206
www.apsanet.org
American Association for State and Local History
1717 Church Street
Nashville, Tennessee 37203-2991
www.aaslh.org
Most historians have regular hours. Generally working behind a desk, either alone or in collaboration with other historians, they read and write research reports. Many experience the pressure of writing and publishing articles, deadlines and tight schedules, and sometimes they must work overtime, for which they are generally not reimbursed. Historians often work as an integral part of a research team. Their routine may be interrupted frequently by telephone calls, letters to answer, special requests for information, meetings or conferences. Travel may be necessary to collect information or attend meetings. Historians on foreign assignment must adjust to unfamiliar cultures, climates, and languages.
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