Explore History
History examines interpreting change through sources and competing explanations. This subject guide introduces the questions, methods and practical work that help learners understand the field before choosing a formal course of study.
A strong starting point is to connect historical methods with global history. The first develops a foundation for reasoning; the second provides a setting in which to test ideas. Keep a learning journal that records assumptions, sources and questions that remain unresolved.
Four areas to investigate
Historical methods
Connect historical methods to the study of interpreting change through sources and competing explanations. Compare an introductory explanation with a worked example, then describe where the approach is useful and where it may fail.
Global history
Connect global history to the study of interpreting change through sources and competing explanations. Compare an introductory explanation with a worked example, then describe where the approach is useful and where it may fail.
Archival research
Connect archival research to the study of interpreting change through sources and competing explanations. Compare an introductory explanation with a worked example, then describe where the approach is useful and where it may fail.
Public history
Connect public history to the study of interpreting change through sources and competing explanations. Compare an introductory explanation with a worked example, then describe where the approach is useful and where it may fail.
Learn through inquiry
Create a source-based exhibition narrative that distinguishes evidence from interpretation.
Begin with a question narrow enough to investigate. Decide what evidence would support an answer, document the method and explain what further work would be needed.