Essential Skills for Historians : A Practical Guide to Researching the Past

Essential Skills for Historians helps undergraduate students make the transition from general university study to a more in-depth study of history, and to gain the skills and techniques they need to conduct an independent research project or embark on a career as a professional historian.The book begins with an examination of the historical discipline and its relevance to contemporary culture.It then guides readers through the steps of developing a research project, using two sample projects that illustrate the connections between core proficiencies such as critical thinking and effective time management, and professional proficiencies such as source criticism and historical interpretation.By following these source projects as they develop, the book also highlights the importance of sound historical practice and a critical understanding of the past in contemporary society.Finally, the book discusses the outcomes of historical research and reveals the wide array of possibilities for car