Am I a Novice Historian?

My first exposure to history was in the form of HIS 101 - American History through 1865 at Clemson University. This class was a typical introductory history course, it taught the names, dates and actions in American History. I enjoyed the class, without really learning anything about history. It gave me the ability to sound educated in that I remembered the dates and names, but I did not really learn history. I later took a course in North Carolina History at a local community college. This class started to open my eyes to the history that surrounded me every day. We took a couple of trips to local historical sites and the instructor offered some insight into, not only what happened, but, also why things took place. For example, during a visit to the battlefield for the Battle of Cowpens (Revolutionary war, I believe), he explained that this was an area where there was a critical buildup of troops prior to another battle. This buildup of opposing troops in close proximity to one another touched off the skirmish, that would otherwise not have occurred.

The course in NC History made me realize that history surrounds us every day. Since then, I have been aware of the history around me. This history involves more than the "standard history" we learn from textbooks. It also includes history that is more personal. "More" personal history can often be interpreted as experience. A person's life experiences color anything and everything that they touch. By viewing history as something much more personal than the facts and figures in some book, I developed a feeling for the importance of history. In my current profession of management, I believe that I should understand the history of the profession, along with the history of my employer. All of this, along with my personal history, should influence the decisions that I make.

I believe that all of the above gives credence to my claim to be a "novice historian." Gustavson, on page 6, gives 7 characteristics of an historian:

(1) "A natural curiosity as to what underlies the surface appearances of any historical event." My curiosity in the explanation of the Battle of Cowpens satisfies this criteria.

(2) "In studying any present problem, idea, event, or institution, the mind of the historian inevitably gravitates in the direction of the past, seeking origins, relationships, and comparisons." The approach that I take to being a manager should fulfill this characteristic of an historian.

(3) "The student of society must try to discern the shapes and contours of the forces which are dynamic in society." I am now beginning to understand this statement.

(4) "…he stresses the continuity of society in all its forms." This is what I mean be understanding the history of my employer. I believe that, as long as the employer is successful, then a successful manager will continue the path already begun.

(5) "…society is perpetually undergoing a process of change." I wholeheartedly agree with this statement. Understanding of the statement allows us to move forward.

(6) "He must approach his subject in a spirit of humility, prepared to recognize tenacious reality rather than what he wishes to find." As a scientist (B.S. in Chemistry) and engineer (M.E. in Industrial Engineering), I have often been challenged by the "tenacious reality."

(7) "…the historian knows that each situation and event is unique." As I have been taught from a very young age, "every raindrop is different, each grain of sand unique." This can also be said about every person, day and event.

My true study of history begins with this course. I understand the statements of Gustavson, as to what an historian is, I must now learn to truly feel the course of history as I live out my life.

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