The Value of History
“History is the House in which All Subjects Dwell.” This is said of
History, as historians traverse a wide variety of disciplines and subjects
in their pursuit to understand man’s development. This pursuit takes the
historian through various stages and eras their attempt to understand the
world in which they now find themselves. The journey through time will
determine that cognizance is taken of diverse influences: Geography, Art,
Drama, Literature, Anthropology, Sociology, Mathematics, Statistics,
Medicine etc.
We study History to learn more about ourselves - where we come from,
who our ancestors were, why we find ourselves where we are today, why we
behave as we do today, and how to make wise and informed decisions about our
future. Learners who study History will develop an understanding of people
and communities who share our lives - our neighbours, our fellow South
Africans, and the people with whom we are connected in Africa, Asia, Europe
and the rest of the world. We learn about contemporary events, and about
events that happened in the past, which in turn helps us to understand our
present situation. We become informed about human and environmental rights,
develop civic competence, and begin to understand patterns of social
development, the importance and impact of technological development and
other trends that have global significance. History taken at secondary level
encourages the learners to develop the ability to be aware of, and to
understand the complex pattern of events and motivations that comprise the
dynamics of History that allows for a greater understanding of all peoples.
Skills
The skills developed by young historians are excellent for both intellectual
and practical purposes and are applied in everyday life, e.g.
interpretation, analysis, accessing and processing information, relating
cause and effect, comparison of divergent perspectives and empathy with
different people at different times, which is an excellent social skill.
Academic and Practical benefits
of Studying History
History is useful when studying for various degrees in the Humanities,
Social Science and Journalism and Law faculties. However, History is of
immense value at all levels as learners who study History have the potential
to become informed, critical citizens who can participate in, and comment
on, world events with conviction and authority. Medical Faculties take
cognizance of the skills developed if History has been taken by a
prospective student.
The History Syllabus
The History syllabus from Grades 8-12 is wide-ranging and covers a variety
of themes from both South African and World History. It follows a pattern of
balancing “in-depth” studies against a broad background. The learner will
develop a broad general knowledge, and an in-depth understanding of specific
topics related to South African and International Affairs. This is of
particular importance in South Africa today, where many opportunities are
open to young people who can demonstrate competence in speaking and writing
about global affairs.
Necessary Abilities
Basic requirements for learners interested in taking History as a subject
at Senior level:
-
Language
proficiency.
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An interest in, and
an awareness of, people and events in both the past and the present.
-
An interest in
reading (books, newspapers etc), films, visiting places, discussing topics
of interest.
-
The ability to
explain in clear terms how and why events happened.
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A good general
knowledge.
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