What Is History? | Historian Essentials | Casual Historian

Summary

In this introductory video for his series 'Historian Essentials,' Grant Hurst explores the concept of history beyond mere lists of names, dates, and places. He explains that historians are not just chroniclers but inquirers who seek answers to questions about the past using various sources. The field of history bridges the humanities and social sciences, and its methods can be applied to any other subject. Hurst invites viewers to reflect on key ideas, concepts, and terminology every historian should understand, offering valuable insights for beginners and educators.

Takeaways

• 😀 History isn't just about names, dates, and places, but about asking questions and seeking answers about the past.
• 📚 The term 'history' is derived from the Greek word 'historia,' meaning knowledge gained from inquiry.
• 🔎 A historian's job is to ask questions of the past and seek answers through various resources like primary sources, secondary sources, and archaeology.
• 📖 While oral history exists, historians are cautious about it due to concerns about how much the story may change over time.
• 🌍 History forms a bridge between the humanities and social sciences, borrowing methods from both fields.
• 🔬 History can be applied to any other field of study, making it a versatile and essential subject in all academic disciplines.
• 📜 Chroniclers are those who record events in a chronological order, but they don't provide the same depth of analysis as historians.
• 📝 Historians do more than just document events—they provide detailed analysis, context, and ask important questions about the past.
• 🎓 The video series is aimed at beginners or teachers, especially those just starting out with historical research or teaching.
• 💬 Viewers are encouraged to share their thoughts on essential historical concepts and terminology on Twitter or in the comments section.
• 🙏 The video is supported by patrons, and viewers can become patrons to gain access to exclusive perks such as early video releases and name credits.

Q & A

What is the main focus of the 'Historian Essentials' series?

The series focuses on exploring the ideas, concepts, and terminology used in the writing, research, and discourse around history, rather than focusing on individual people, places, or events.

Who is the target audience for these videos?

The target audience includes beginners in history, such as students just starting out, as well as teachers. College seniors writing their senior thesis may not find these videos as relevant.

What is the difference between a chronicler and a historian?

A chronicler primarily focuses on listing events in chronological order, often with minimal commentary. In contrast, a historian asks questions about the past and seeks answers through a variety of resources like primary sources, secondary sources, and archaeological findings.

What is the etymology of the word 'history'?

The English word 'history' is derived from the Greek word 'historia,' which means 'knowledge from inquiry.' This emphasizes that history is about asking questions and seeking answers, not just recording events.

Why is oral history viewed with caution by historians?

Oral history is approached cautiously because historians are uncertain about how much of the story may have changed over time due to the unreliability of memory and transmission across generations.

How does history bridge the gap between the humanities and social sciences?

History forms a bridge by incorporating methods and practices from both the humanities, which focus on cultural and intellectual endeavors, and the social sciences, which analyze human behavior and society.

Why is history unique compared to other fields of study?

History is unique because it can be applied to any other field of study, such as literature or physics. In both these fields, understanding past developments—like literary history or the history of science—adds depth to current knowledge.

Can historians use only written records to study history?

No, historians use a variety of resources to study history, including primary sources, secondary sources, archaeological evidence, and more. The written word is just one of the key elements in historical research.

How do historians ensure the accuracy of their work?

Historians ensure the accuracy of their work by cross-referencing multiple sources, evaluating evidence critically, and considering the context in which historical events occurred.

What is the role of patrons in supporting the 'Historian Essentials' series?

Patrons help support the creation of the 'Historian Essentials' series, allowing the creator to continue producing educational content. Patrons can also receive special perks, such as early access to videos and their names featured in the end credits.