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1. Understand Current Events
To figure out where we are going, we need to know where we came from. History is a 鈥渟tory about the past.鈥� To understand what the future can look like, we need to look at stories from the past and understand their contexts. Case in point: the world鈥檚 current geopolitical divides didn鈥檛 happen overnight. They happened over time, through a series of large and small events. To understand how they happened, we need to look at all the historical events that shaped the world鈥檚 divisions, so that we can attempt to shape positive outcomes. Historians determine how to tell the stories of the past to inform decisions of the future.

2. Define Identity
You are who you are鈥攁nd history plays a role in that. How do families form? What shapes the community in which you live? Historical events can shape genealogy, the movement of families and large groups of people from one place to the other, the formation of communities, the formation of institutions, and even the formation of countries. Your family history partially defines who you are - what you value, why, and where you come from shape your interactions with the world.

3. Understand Different Cultures
Why is it important to understand other cultures? Empathy. The ability to see the world from a different perspective. Despite cultural differences, all people want essentially the same things you do. Yes - we know there are exceptions. Ignorance breeds fear and violence (see #5). Ignorance of how other cultures see the world breeds fear of other cultures. Understanding other cultures in historical context gives us the tools to understand how other cultures function - and how to break down barriers.

4. Understand Change
The butterfly effect. The domino effect. Call it what you will. Seemingly small events catalyse big ones - and there鈥檚 always a pattern, especially if you examine history. What kinds of events precipitate war? What kind of events precipitate peace? Periods of innovation follow dry spells. Why? By looking at history, you can begin to understand how change happens in the world. Consider WWI - over 37 million people lost their lives because Archduke Ferdinand was assassinated. That鈥檚 what started the conflict - but history shows us that even before Gavrilo Princip pulled the trigger, the world was in a tailspin over rapid, global imperialism. How does change happen? Pick one major historical event - and look at the events that precipitated it, big and small.

5. Combat Ignorance
Why is ignorance dangerous? See #3. If we don鈥檛 know who we are (see #2), where we came from, how we got here, and where we鈥檙e going, we have no hope for correcting prior, devastating mistakes. As George Santayana said, 鈥淭hose who cannot remember the past are condemned to repeat it.鈥� By studying history, we can try not to repeat the same mistakes.

6. Open Doors
History can open doors to possibility. How? By inspiring us to be better people. Learn about one historical event鈥攁nd questions will pop up. Dig deeper learn more. Learning more about the world around you, its people, its resources, and its history can only lead to a more informed life. And a more informed life leads to inspiration - and hopefully the desire to do good. Pick one thing you enjoy - and delve deep into its history. You might shock yourself and learn about things you had no idea even existed.

Broaden your perspective鈥攁nd broaden your horizons - by studying history. You won鈥檛 be any worse for wear. The world needs informed, thoughtful people like you who have a sense of who they are, where they鈥檙e from, and where they鈥檙e going. Delve into the past. You won鈥檛 regret it

History helps you to understand the past which is interesting in and of itself. The subject helps you to weigh up multiple interpretations of events, which is a very useful skill for understanding the world you live in.

It certainly is! You鈥檒l be able to better understand the world by appreciating the diversity of other cultures and their unique histories. You also hone real world skills such as critical thinking, writing, reading and communicating.

Yes! You鈥檒l have an advantage over students who have not chosen elective history, as you鈥檒l have spent many extra hours over a period of two years getting a better understanding of the subject. You鈥檒l have improved in your understanding as well as exam specific capabilities like essay writing and factual knowledge of past events.