How do I “do” history?

As a professor, this is a question I hear again and again from students. They show up in my classroom, expecting an easy A in the required history survey course, and quickly realize they have no clue what history means beyond a laundry list of names and dates. Panic crosses their faces as when they’re asked to analyze a primary source, evaluate a source for bias, or write a research paper.

If this describes you, then read on as I cover the essentials of “doing” history.

• Four Easy Steps to Succeed* in History Class
• Research 101
• Writing for Newbies

Or hop on over to the blog where I answer common questions about history such as how did Japan rapidly industrialize, how was slavery in the ancient world different from slavery in the modern world, and is 10% of Asia really descended from Genghis Khan?