Please use this identifier to cite or link to this item: https://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar/handle/123456789/26126
Title: Why anthropological history?
Authors: Cassar, Carmel
Keywords: Anthropology -- History
History -- Study and teaching
History -- Religious aspects
Historiography
Issue Date: 2004
Publisher: University of Malta
Citation: Cassar, C. (2004). Why anthropological history? In: University of Malta Annual Report 2004 (pp. 35-39). Msida: University of Malta.
Abstract: Many people live under a misapprehension of what history is all about. It is widely believed, for instance, that the main requirement for the study of history is a good memory so that one can remember all those facts (especially dates). Many cannot be blamed for this misconception since they assume that history deals mainly with political achievements, fundamental government developments, and foreign relations. But few lay persons realize that history deals with all aspects of human existence - not just politics, government, religion and interstate relations, but even the economy, culture, social life, gender relations, the realm of ideas, the human psyche, or the environment. Thus History links well with a number of other disciplines - especially Philosophy, Politics, Anthropology, Sociology, Languages, Economics, Geography, Journalism, Law and Divinity. Many would recall their only experience in the study of history at junior or middle school when it was considered boring because it involved too much learning of dry facts. In reality one is often reminded that history is about the past - and we need to be concentrating our attention on the present and the future. Courses in History are not considered to be of much value when it comes to applying for jobs. But this is where many are mistaken. History is not just about the past. It may help us to understand ourselves better by examining some of the forces that have shaped our lives. The study of History pulls it all together and helps us place all other academic disciplines in context and perspective. History allows us to get the big picture. It helps people to think creatively, show initiative, investigate, analyze and interpret the world around them. It changes everyday, so one needs to know how to keep fresh. History provides all those skills!
URI: https://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar//handle/123456789/26126
Appears in Collections:Scholarly Works - FacEMATou

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