Why study History?
There are always two subjects that people always ask why they need to study it or know it.  One has too many numbers and logical conclusions that are hard to see for some people.  The other one has too many dates to remember and a whole lot of reading to get through it.  I myself has asked that question when I was in grade school.  Am I ever going to need calculus in my life?  Cosigns and signs and all these equations to solve and I do not know why.  You guessed it-math.  The other one is history.  Many people old and young always ask why we study these two subjects almost our whole life if we stay in school.  I do not like math and I do see why it might be irrelevant to me and to a lot of people.  If students had a choice of what subjects they wanted to study and learn even in grade school, would anyone choose math?  Yes, I think so.  People who need to understand math to do the things they want to do in life.  My Dad loved math.  My wife likes math.  I like learning about history not math.  I always found it to be interesting.  I like all the people who started our country and what made them so great.  War is heavy stuff to study but it is very popular on cable TV.  Movies about war are popular.  I like to read about ancient people too and what they were thinking before the modern world took place.  Were they happy?  Did they think they were living in the best of times or the worst of times?  Studying the great depression may make us prevent the next one.  We must know why things went wrong in history and never let it happen again.  The funny thing is that we still have wars going on.  We have been in a war for seven years now with no end in sight for some people.  What happened in the last war?  What can we do better?  Math lets us go to the moon.  Math lets us examine probabilities in our life and to make better decisions. We can build cars, houses, buildings, roads, and most everything else because of math.  So many people hate math because it bores them or it is harder than anything else like history or social studies.  I was always told in collage to take fun classes with hard classes.  Do not take all your hard classes at the same time; you might not do good in any of them.  I like that idea too.  I knew I would struggle at math in collage.  I wanted to pass it with a C.  I just wanted to pass.  I did.  I took a Mickey Mouse math which was still hard for me.  I like math a little bit more today, I tutored in it once but I was not enough help I think.  I like history and like teaching that much better than math.  I can explain it much better than why a number line works better for figuring out negative and positive numbers.  I still have trouble adding and subtracting negative numbers.  I do not struggle understanding world war two.  Good luck people and bye.

Why study History? is a post from: Textbooks and ISBN

“If you don’t know history, you’re destined to repeat it.” This phrase, while now somewhat cliche and exploited for all kinds of purposes, has real value in its meaning. If you do not know your heritage, then you have not benefited from the lessons of the past.

There seems to be some instinct or intuition that drives people to record significant events in their society and personal lives. Even before complex and modern day language, humans have been recording their way of life and noteworthy events.

The earliest records of the past appear to be held in the very Earth where history unfolds. Cave walls dating to prehistoric times record images of animals such as buffalo, bison, deer and more. Other cave paintings appear to be over 3,000 years old and portray religious ceremonies of ancient times.

Relics from the past such as cave paintings are proof that as far back as men can trace their past, our ancestors have been leaving their mark as a message for generations to come.

Perhaps stemming from the most basic urge to make a mark in time or leave a legacy behind, the importance of learning history has not gone unmerited in the world of academia.

Historians become a fundamental pillar in education, research, communications, intelligence, business and more. Jobs such as teachers, museum curators, writers, producers, librarians, lawyers and consultants, to name a few, all await a professional historian.

No matter how well the past is recorded, there will be debate and room for altering points of view, after all, there are always two sides to every story. And in the words of Ralph Emerson, “There is properly no history; only biography.” This implies that all records and accounts of past events are subjective to the point of view of the writer. In accounts of war or siege, the victor has often destroyed the records of the defeated tribe, and even nation. Accordingly, the conqueror writes the account of an invasion or takeover to suit heir own purpose or point of view.

Perhaps the recording of history is much more selfish than the pure intent of passing on an account of events. Perhaps is it man’s way of becoming immortal; a way of writing “I was here” on the wall of time.

It is the job of a true historian to study and learn the lifestyle and agendas of kings, nations and even wars. Understanding a period in time will give an expert historian the ability to decipher conflicting accounts of the same event and read between the lines to uncover the truth.

Reading a book or watching a documentary is a quick way to start learning about the past. If the instinctive spark inside you grows and your passion becomes understanding and learning from the past, there are degrees and courses to further your education. And beyond an education is a vast career path where a knowledge of the past can help you excel into the future.

After all, hindsight is 20 20, which means that if we can learn from our past, we may be able to avoid the same mistakes we and others have made before us. The bells of the past can not be un-rung, but they can be heard and the song they sing may have a lesson for us all.

What Does History Say About Our Future? is a post from: Textbooks and ISBN

Becoming a student of history can be a tremendously fun occasion. Learning about the history of our country can provide you with a tremendously improved perspective of how things got to be the way that they are today. Of course, if you are looking to enact some change in our country—if you are looking to take an active role in your community, your state, or the country at large—then it’s important that you have a keen understanding of past historical events. Lest history be doomed to repeat itself (as the saying goes), you must acknowledge the errors of those who came before you. Thus, the next time that you pick up your used history textbook , you might want to view it in a different light entirely.

Have you ever really listened to the speeches that our politicians deliver? Have you ever paid close attention to the references that they incorporate in order to lend extra gravity to the words that they are speaking? If you have, then you’ve probably come to realize that your used history textbook has a lot in common with what they’re saying. Indeed, popular politicians—those who deliver popular speeches (i.e. the ones that are actually remembered by masses of Americans)—make use of historical examples to lend credit to their words. Thus, if you are looking to dive into the realm of public speaking, then you are going to have to be sure that you are up to snuff when it comes to your American history. If you are going to try to put on influential speeches of your own—or if you are going to try to emulate the tactics of politicians who have come before you—then you are going to have to demonstrate that you have read your used history textbook carefully. Demonstrating a firm knowledge of American history is, in effect, demonstrating a strong reverence for your country, and for those who founded it.

Of course, it’s also important to study your used history textbook for examples of how things have gone wrong in the past. Recognizing historical trends is one of the most powerful ways in which you can strive to prevent new problems from arising. When problems begin to crop up, you are going to be able to spot them before most people can. Indeed, your studies have prepared you to spot these problems as they arise, to react accordingly.

Even if you are not looking to enter the realm of politics, it is still important for you to read your used history textbook carefully. If you hope to engage in the discourse of American politics to any degree, then you simply must understand how the politics of today fit into the larger picture. Looking to broad, far-reaching historical trends is going to grant you some extra perspective. No doubt, this added perspective is going to show when you open your mouth to argue any sort of political point.

The next time that you are at the store , be sure that you stop by the history section to do some reading. Whether or not you want to enter the public political sphere, you are going to want to be sure that you roughly understand where we, the contemporary body of American people, fit in. Once you reach this point of understanding, your words are going to carry a lot more gravity.

Lend Gravity to your Political Opinions is a post from: Textbooks and ISBN

Studying history is important, and it is also tremendously fulfilling. When you set out to learn the history of your country—or, along a different path, the history of other cultures—you are setting out to understand the conditions that led to the state of our modern world. Studying history is an endeavor that is going to leave you with a greater understanding of our current world—an endeavor that is going to, consequently, leave you with a greater appreciate for current events. But of course, the history major is one that is going to require a great deal of reading, writing, and studying. If you are all right with a heavy course load—with facing a genuine mountain of used history textbooks when you arrive at the store –then you are not going to have any major problems when it comes down to launching your studies.

Know, first and foremost, here, that used history textbooks can be a bit difficult to get used to at first. The books that you read in high school—those detailing the development of the United States government and what have you—have been toned down a bit. Indeed, they are designed to appeal to a middle school or high school audience, meaning that they are going to gloss over a lot of the particulars. Of course, when you get to college, you are going to find that used history textbooks go into a lot more detail. Thus, you should prepare for your studies by anticipating that you are going to have a lot more reading to do. Fortunately, your work load is not going to become overwhelming, as most academic paths build up to their intensity gradually. Simply know, reader, that your reading schedule is going to escalate over time, and that you are going to have to devote long stretches of time to preparing for your next lecture.

Of course, part of managing such a large load of reading is developing a great note taking system. Indeed, used history textbooks are not going to do you much good if you do not practice great note taking on a daily basis. This, though, is hardly a problem if you are ready and willing to practice. Begin by adjusting your understanding of the purpose that notes are meant to serve: they are an outline of your reading assignment, not a recreation of your reading assignment. When you sit down to study for a test, you are not going to want to redo all of your readings. Keep your notes brief and to the point, and you are going to find that they serve you much better when test taking time comes rolling around.

Finally, reader, know that when you’re buying your used history textbooks , you are going to have to be sure that you are staying relatively current. Before you buy a text, be sure that it is compatible with the text that your professor is going to be using. You do not want to waste too much of your time matching up page numbers, and you do not want to buy a book that does not cover the material that your professor is going to be covering. In order for you to succeed academically, you have to be sure that you are keeping up with all of the reading assignments in an efficient manner.

A History Major is Tremendously Rewarding is a post from: Textbooks and ISBN

While you may not think so at first, a degree in history can really take you a long way. Indeed, while many people seem to think that history majors can only teach after they get their degrees, they are absolutely, positively as wrong as they could ever hope to be. If you are thinking about getting a history degree, then you should certainly pay close attention to this article. Here, we’ll outline a few of the careers that you might consider when you’re done with your undergraduate studies. If you have heard that a history degree is not versatile—or if you have heard that the history textbooks are not going to win you a good career—then you have heard wrong!

History majors stand to get jobs all over the place, and do you know why? It’s because they’re terrific readers and writers. Indeed, if there is one thing that you stand to pick up from your history textbooks , it’s a tremendous capacity for thorough reading, writing, and note taking. Thus, if you emphasize these skills on your resume, you are going to be able to catch plenty of attention. Highlight that you have excellent written and verbal communication skills, and that you are good with managing multiple projects at once (you will be after you complete your history major). Surely, these qualities are going to get you in the door for an interview.

While you may not think so at first, your degree in history—all that knowledge that you picked up from your history textbooks –might prepare you rather well for a career in film. Indeed, period pieces always require tens (if not hundreds) of historians, and not just throughout the writing process. Indeed, while you can help the writing crew hold itself to historical accuracy, you can also assist when it comes to set designs, clothing, and the like. Because you have spent so much time studying your history, you are going to be able to make sure that all of the details are adding up, so to speak.

If neither of these things appeals to you, then you might consider going into the world of publishing. By studying your history textbooks –which is to say, by improving your reading and writing skills—you have already done all of the footwork, here. While it’s hard to get a job in publishing, you can, without a doubt, secure yourself an internship and begin from there. Once you have gotten your feet wet, you are going to be able to move up in hardly any time at all. Your strong reading and writing skills can bring you to the top.

At the end of the day, your history textbooks are what you make of them. If you really study hard—if you set some serious time aside to head out to the coffee store and hit the books—then you are going to find that you stand to gain quite a bit of knowledge from your studies. Indeed, you’ll improve dramatically as a reader and a writer, and you’ll be left with a specialized knowledge of history. Any time you come out of undergrad with specialized knowledge, you know that you have done yourself a major favor. You have, in effect, made yourself much more appealing to all of the people who are hiring.

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Putting the History Textbooks to Use is a post from: Textbooks and ISBN

Are you looking for a way to make the time that you spend with your history textbook a little bit more… productive? If so, then you’re going to want to be sure that you’ve developed a really great note-taking system. More than any other major at your school, the history major is going to require that you develop a keen eye for details. Of course, if you have not figured out how to take great notes, then you’re going to find that many of the details are escaping from you. By following a few simple steps, though, you can make sure that you are taking notes that are really going to help you when your final exam rolls around.

1. Always mark your history textbook with sticky notes. Reader, there’s something silly that you should know: sticky notes are powerful weapons! When it comes to fighting your final exam and emerging victorious, you’re going to want to be sure that you are marking your text with tons of labeled sticky notes. Whenever you come across an important section, flag it with a unique color and be sure that you label it well. This system is going to make it much easier for you to return to older sections weeks (and months) after you’ve read them. If you are reading through your notes and you need further clarification on something that you jotted down, then you can simply find the sticky note that corresponds with your notes and read away. And if you should ever be so fortunate as to encounter an open book test, then you are going to thank yourself for taking the time to label your book well. (And no, sticky notes do not damage your book, so you are going to be able to return it to the store when you are done with it!)
2. Do not copy entire sections from your history textbook by hand. Oh, reader—this is one of the oldest flaws in the book. If you are copying entire sections instead of taking notes, then what’s the point in writing anything down in the first place? The point of notes, reader, is to distill the information that you’re reading down into a fine, efficient form. If you absolutely need to, simply mark a page number in your notes for additional reading; but never waste your time with copying down huge chunks of text. Really, that’s not going to help you at all when it comes to studying or writing a paper.
3. Develop ideas for your papers as you read your history textbook. If you develop ideas for papers as you are reading, then you are going to be able to give yourself a really valuable head start on the writing process. Indeed, if you outline a paper as you make your way through your history textbook, you are going to be able to jot down page numbers for quotes as you are completing your homework. This is one of the oldest tricks in the book. If you adopt this system and make it your own, then you are going to find that it does not take you very much time at all to draft a history paper.

At the end of the day, these tips can really help you make the most of your history text. Heed them, reader, and you’ll find the success that you’re looking for.

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Getting the Most out of your History Textbook is a post from: Textbooks and ISBN

Everyone knows the cold hard truth: the textbooks necessary for you to receive instruction in college courses are expensive. Some the more expensive tomes can cost hundreds of dollars, while even the ones that are considered less expensive can cost an arm and a leg. The average college student today has enough on his or her plate just trying to afford tuition, housing, and all the other necessities of life, without having to worry about the often inflated price of college textbooks. What then is one to do? The simplest answer is, of course, to buy a used textbook.

A brand new textbook for any particular course can run well over $100, and in some instances even more than that; While a brand new history textbook may cost nearly $200, used history textbooks can cost you less than half as much, while still being just as effective at relating to you the knowledge that is necessary for you to excel in your particular area of study. So, then, the question now becomes, “why would I want to buy a brand new history textbook, when I can purchase used history textbooks that are just as good, but substantially less expensive?” The answer, of course, is that you shouldn’t; buying a brand new college textbook is, in essence, a waste of your money. Does a new copy of a textbook help you to learn the lessons it contains any better than a used copy of the exact same book? Of course it does not; a book is a book, and you can learn all the things you need to know – the same vital information about whatever subject you may be studying – from a good used textbook, at a fraction of the price you will pay for a brand new book, which you will more than likely never use again once you are finished with your studies.

A good place for you to start your search for used history textbooks would be the college or university you plan on attending. Most colleges and universities have a bookstore on campus, and they are filled with textbooks that other students from previous years, many of which were foolish enough to by a brand new textbook, have sold back to the store after realizing that they no longer have any need of it since finishing the course. Fortunately for you, their foolishness can be your gain; most of the used history textbooks being offered for sale at college and university bookstores are in excellent condition, and you can buy them at a much better price than the original owner did.

Used textbooks are also available for purchase at numerous locations online; you can find good used college textbooks for sale both by websites which specialize in the resale of used books, as well as by individuals who find themselves stuck with a copy of a book they no longer have need of. There are many great bargains to be found on the Internet, and it is truly as easy as using one of the many search engines available online these days. In no time at all, you can track down the used history textbooks you need to attend the classes you plan on attending, and you can always enjoy the satisfaction of knowing that you didn’t waste money on something you would never use again anyway.

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History Textbooks : http://www.textbooksu.com/category/History/

Fair Prices On College Textbooks is a post from: Textbooks and ISBN

Ralph Waldo Emerson wrote, “There is properly no history ; only biography.” Indeed, our past is the sum total of the lives of men and women who lived prior to us, their decisions and actions to be sure, but also their thoughts, their hopes, their dreams, and the legacies they have left to us. What is important from our past is not, for us today, what happened, but what we choose to learn and how we respond. If we choose the right response, an understanding of what went before us can give us wisdom to live a better, more productive future. Often the lessons of the past are negative ones, cautionary tales that tell us more about how not to live, rather than illuminating the right paths. Many have said that if we do not learn from the past we are bound to repeat it, and unfortunately, in many ways history is repetitive and the lessons are forgotten.

Still, there are those who have lived well in the past, and their lives offer us much today. Whether their lives were commonplace, like St. Francis of Assisi who lived the quiet life of a monk, or whether their lives were heroic like Florence Nightingale, or exceptional like those who have made advances in the sciences and arts, we gain inspiration through their efforts, endurance, deeds, and accomplishments. This truth makes the reading of history a favorite past time of many, and it is why some much television programming is dedicated to it.

Starting a home library of books about the past is a worthwhile endeavor. Thousands of volumes are available on every possible historical subject, with books dedicated to the events themselves, and also biographies of the men and women involved. Searching online bookstores will uncover great deals on new and used books, as well as reviews of most books which will give you insight into the subject matter and also whether or not it would be a book you’d be likely to enjoy and benefit from reading. For parents to encourage their children to read about historical events and people is also a great idea, and books geared for children are also available from most booksellers. Read, learn, and make the most of your future!

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History Textbooks : http://www.textbooksu.com/category/History/

History is a post from: Textbooks and ISBN

Most college students take at least one history class during their time in school. Whether it is to satisfy a general education requirement or an interest in the time period, history has a lot to teach modern students. However, though the events of history are always the same, each history textbook will offer a somewhat different experience in learning about those events. To understand why this is the case, it can be helpful to look at the major differences among history textbooks.

One thing to consider when it comes to college history textbooks is the breadth of knowledge being presented. History is a vast subject, and each textbook will cover a different segment with its own distinct focus. A textbook that covers the entirety of western civilization will have a much wider set of facts to present, while a textbook that focuses on World War I will have a much narrower focus. This difference does not make a textbook better or worse, but can be a large factor in the intensity of the learning. Understanding the breadth of knowledge can tell a student a lot about what to expect through using the textbook.

Another major facet of college history textbooks is the point of view of the authors. Though textbooks are indeed factual, that does not mean that they are entirely without bias. In fact, two textbooks on the same era can have vastly different conclusions about the events, so it might be a good idea to check into the authors and look carefully at the references they are using. At the very least, students should be aware of bias as they read, noting when not all sides of the story seem to be getting equal weight. This tendency is not wrong, but mostly inevitable, and students just need to always read with a sense of awareness.

The last distinguishing feature of many college history textbooks is the style of presentation. This includes the tone of the text, the way the chapters are broken down, and the use of supplemental aids. Some textbooks are more conversational, while others may have a more academic tone. The use of pictures or charts will vary widely between textbooks, but will greatly influence the way students engage with the topic being presented.

Understanding these differences can not only help students approach their textbooks better, but can help make them better learners of history overall.

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The Ups and Downs of College History Textbooks is a post from: Textbooks and ISBN

Textbooks have been a mainstay of history education for years, providing students with a compilation of dates, facts, and interpretation over any number of historical periods. While the modern student will go through many textbooks during their career as a student, that does not mean that all of these educational texts are made equal. In fact, the reverse is often true: these books come in all shapes, styles, and layouts. Therefore, it is important for students to know how to approach a textbook in order to utilize it properly.

First, students should always familiarize themselves with the table of contents. Placed at the beginning of a textbook, these contents provide an apt overview of the text at large, allowing students to know what information will be covered and the order of that information. A history textbook often handles information in a chronological order, with sub-sections to explore relevant events, people, or movements in greater detail.

Second, students should always skim the assigned portion of the textbook before commencing study. Skimming is an effective way to set up the learning experience, since it allows students to see the end destination of their learning. Many history textbooks contain detailed information, which can make it easy to get lost while reading. By keeping the headings and sections in mind, it is easier to keep track of the knowledge. It can also be useful for note taking.

Last, students should always be aware of the supplemental support built into a textbook. This support can appear in a variety of ways, ranging from integrated visuals to appendices. Students should always note the pictures, captions, and graphs that are in the text, since these often serve as examples to help prove the point. These visual representations are especially important for students who are visual learners, since they are more likely to stick with students over the course of time. Appendices come at the end of the text, and may include anything from graphs, to charts, to timelines, to a glossary. These tools have been added to support the knowledge available in the textbook, so students should not hesitate to use them to enhance their own learning.

Though each history textbook may be different, the organization and various supports tend to be fairly consistent, no matter what the content may be. Knowing how to use these tools can only help students in their quest for historical knowledge.

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Tips on Using History Textbooks is a post from: Textbooks and ISBN

History is the favorite subject of those who love to read about the events and people that have shaped civilization as we know it, and these stories provide subject matter for new and used history textbooks. Perhaps the authors you read won’t be an ancient historian with the renown of Josephus, or more recent experts like Will and Ariel Durant, but still, these books provide compelling reading.

When you are in the market for these texts, there are many places to shop for them. If you are taking a class for which they are required reading, then the campus book store will have copies of them. Expect the cost of new books to be significantly higher than the price charged for used history textbooks. If you prefer a used copy, which tend to sell faster, then be sure to shop early while there are still some available. The campus store may not offer the best prices on used history books , but if you don’t have time to shop for them online, it may be your only choice.

Shopping websites for used texts will likely save you 10% to 25% over buying them on campus, since the competition online keeps prices affordable. Begin by doing a search for textbooks and you’ll discover many sites dedicated to selling them. Some national booksellers that have local retail stores, and big online sellers, are now in the used textbook market, too, so you may want to check them out as well. When you shop these sites, most will want you to search by the books’ ISBN numbers to insure that you get the right title and edition of the book, since new editions with revisions come out periodically. While revisionist history may not be a great thing, new events are occurring, archaeological finds are shedding new light on ancient civilizations, and new information is being found about more recent events, so updates are important. You’ll likely have the choice of new or used history textbooks, and perhaps the option of selecting a hardback or paperback copy.

Shop several sites to find the best prices. When it comes time to purchasing, you’ll need to open an account, as you do with most online merchants. This will make future purchases at the site go more quickly. Also read the website’s return policy, so you’ll know how to return books if necessary.

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Used History Textbooks : http://www.textbooksu.com/category/History/

Used History Textbooks is a post from: Textbooks and ISBN