A good grasp of history can help citizens better understand where they come from and where they are going. As the phrase goes, those who do not know history are doomed to repeat it. The truth in this phrase is the fact that history is a lesson for future generations. So how does studying history intersect with vital and modern aspects of social science theories?
The Northern Kentucky University (NKU) online Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) in History program provides students with a number of opportunities to explore these fascinating and relevant intersections and apply them to solve complex contemporary issues. Scholars are invited to explore current touchstones in NKU’s program, like feminism, class conflict, urbanization and more through a historical lens.
What Are the Social Sciences?
The Social Science Research Network (SSRN) defines the social sciences as the general study of how individuals interact with one another using interpretation and qualitative research methodologies. It has branches in various disciplines, including anthropology, economics, political science, psychology and sociology.
Given the social sciences’ expanse of disciplines, history is another area that relies on social science theory, as it involves contextualizing human events. Students of history must have an understanding of the social sciences and the theories that underpin it. NKU’s B.A. in History online program offers a number of courses that emphasize this, such as the World History to 1500 course, the World History since 1500 course and the Global Viewpoints in History course.
Using Theory to Interpret Historical Events and Trends
On Memorious Blog, writer and historian Ted McCormick argues that there is no central historical theory, though one could refer to this as the “philosophy of history.” McCormick writes that when studying, even at a graduate degree level, students usually do not encounter a simplified body of knowledge that constitutes one theory of history. Instead, he notes that it is more common to come across theory from other disciplines, or “bodies of theory,” like Marxism and postmodernism.
Given this open-minded outlook, it is even more essential for history students to gain a good understanding of how history engages with theories from other disciplines. Approaching the study of history with an awareness of different narratives empowers historical research to create crucial connections independently.
The faculty of NKU’s B.A. in History online program guides students in this regard, challenging them to seek connections and engage historical information creatively, beyond memorizing dates and names. In particular, courses like Global Viewpoints in History invite students to focus on historical themes within one country or cultural context in order to understand how past decisions led to a current state of being. This is especially relevant for those interested in a deeper understanding of national identities, cultural exchanges, imperialism and colonialism.
Understanding Dynamics of Power and Exploitation With Theory
Writer Theo Seeds may disagree with McCormick as Seeds provides a list of useful theories that professionals use to understand history and apply knowledge of the past to current events and future “forecasting.” One is the cyclical theory, which states that societies fall into certain cycles and repeat past events periodically, just as much as the fashion world repeats trends.
Another is the great man theory, which posits that innovators occasionally alter the course of history with great inventions and ambitious ideas. The trends and forces theory suggests the opposite: instead, certain circumstances determine the outcome of an event.
How History Can Help Us Understand Forces Motivating Human Behavior and Societal Developments
It’s worth noting that not everyone agrees about how history and social science theories can inform one another. In the article “Navigating the Frontier between History and Social Science,” author Scott Gehlbach asks, “Is mutual antagonism between history and the social sciences the inevitable consequence of the historical turn in economics and political science?”
Gehlbach further explains that social scientists and historians need to work to understand one another’s viewpoints and find common ground. One difference, he states, is the ability of social scientists to separate the author from their work. For historians, on the other hand, the origin of a theoretical work is of utmost importance, as is empirical data.
Despite these differences, both groups indeed have knowledge to share. Social sciences can help bridge this gap between disciplines like political science and history, as the study of humans involves qualitative, quantitative and contextual data.
How NKU’s Program Emphasizes Social Sciences’ Role in Historical Study
NKU’s online B.A. in History program prepares graduates with the writing, research, creative and data interpretation skills to excel as professionals in the education, legal, research, archivist, business and writing spaces. With a foundational understanding of social sciences, graduates of this program can apply their degree in history in nearly every professional space.
Learn more about NKU’s online B.A. in History program.
