History is the study of change over time. When you study history, you realize
that the only constant in life is that it changes. Yes, we can learn lessons
from history, but history never repeats itself in exactly the same way. Even
in cases that seem the same, there are variables that you might not be aware
of. Another reason to study history: knowledge of history is knowledge of self
and knowledge of self is power (one of my SFSU professors told us this). But
you can also study history to become a less self-centered person, to feel
empathy for others. Furthermore, knowing history makes life more enjoyable.
You know what people are talking about, you can get into interesting
conversations, you can travel places and learn new things, and you will
understand references on TV and in movies. Importantly, history gives you a
frame of reference that enables you to understand the significance of today's
events.
A great explanation of why everyone should study history, from
the people who
write history.
The American Historical Association explains why you should study history
An article from columnist David Brooks about why career-oriented
students should study history.
David Brooks's article "History for Dollars"
Coinciding with the 150th anniversary of President Lincoln’s
inauguration, the National Park Services launched a Memory Trail
Project designed by Dr. Marc Aronson, historian. Last school
year (2010-11), Mrs. Lounibos’s three World History classes, with
the guidance of Mrs. Williams, our lovely librarian, completed a
major research project which received recognition from that
national institution. The subject was “The Change I Plan to Make
in the World” and, in essence, the students created a digital
time capsule of their hopes, dreams, and plans for the future.
Their inspiration was drawn from historical change-makers such as
Abraham Lincoln, Mahatma Gandhi, and Martin Luther King, Jr. On
October 10th, Dr. Aronson visited PHS and met with Mrs. Williams,
Mrs. Lounibos, and a large group of the students to celebrate
their success and urge them to keep thinking historically. He
plans to use video footage of the meeting, plus the actual
projects Mrs. Lounibos’s students created, as a model to other
schools who might undertake the project.
National Park Service's Memory Trail Project