More fascinated by the past than by the future? Do you love learning about people, places and events that happened long ago? Do you like to read, but are more interested in facts than fiction? Then a History major is probably perfect for you.
History majors study the events, people and geography of the world. While a good deal of a History major’s time is spent in libraries, History majors learn to study and interpret far more than textbooks. History majors seek to go beyond the textbook by studying a wealth of primary texts such as letters, diaries, magazines or newspapers printed during the time they are studying, original musical or dictated recordings, and original video recordings. Even a log of goods on a ship crossing the ocean can be of importance to a History major, for every scrap tells a tale.
If you have a curious mind and possess an ability to take lots of “small” facts and see the “big picture,” then this is definitely your field.
Important classes in high school include all things history: US history, world history, Roman and Greek history. Also critical are AP English, current world problems, and courses in philosophy or religion.
History majors generally find work in a variety of fields: academics, government, publishing, journalism, and education. Some History majors become historians or seek work in libraries or museums.
Famous figures with History majors include Conan O’Brian, Edward Norton and Sacha Cohen.
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