Herodotus, who lived in 5th century BC Greece, is widely recognised as the first historian. Although he was the first to record major historical events, Herodotus often failed to discern between fact and fable. The primary aim of today’s historian is to uncover the facts of past events, and to record them without prejudice or bias.
Students interested in history can take general history courses that give a rounded knowledge of past events, figures and processes, or there are the more specialised subjects of anthropology and archaeology. Anthropology is the study of human societies and cultures, and aims for a greater understanding of cultural, racial, ethnic and sexual differences. Archaeology is the study of the past through the recovery, reporting and analysis of physical remains and environmental data.
Education
Students can take dedicated degrees in History at Trinity, UCD, NUI Galway or NUI Maynooth (where a second Arts subject is taken in first year only). It is also possible to take History as an option in most general arts degrees with other subjects such as English, Politics, European Studies or International Relations. The CAO points for History degrees are relatively high, with 450 to 500 usually required.
History students generally take introductory subjects in the first year of their degree, specialising in later years. The first year should give you a good general knowledge of Irish, European and World History, as well as research methods and political theory classes. You then decide which time periods and specialist areas particularly interest you and take subjects that prepare you for your final research project or thesis. This is usually on a topic agreed with your supervisor, and could concentrate on anything from early Asian civilisations to The Troubles in Northern Ireland.
Anthropology subjects include Popular Culture, Ethno-Psychology, Family Patterns, Folklore, Popular Culture, and Paleoanthropology. Courses you will encounter on an Archaeology degree include The Prehistoric World, Ireland & Europe in the Iron Age, Religion & Ritual in Celtic Europe, Environmental Archaeology, Field Surveying and Early Agriculture in Ireland.
There is plenty of crossover between subjects, and arts students often have the opportunity to choose between options from different courses. Fieldwork and research methods are particularly important parts of all anthropology and archaeology courses.
Options After Qualifications
Graduates in the fields of history, archaeology and anthropology can move into a wide number of areas. Some go on to postgraduate study or work in their chosen specialist subject, working as historians, archaeologists, anthropologists, academics, researchers, teachers and archivists. Others use the more general knowledge, research and writing skills they have acquired at college to enter careers in other areas such as business, law, industry, the media and the civil service.
The Work
Historians use their knowledge and critical skills in a plethora of careers. They can conduct research into ancient events or study the last general election or census. They can collect data and information and draw conclusions from their analysis. Depending on the eras studied, historians can spend time reading in the library, visiting ancient sites, interviewing witnesses or analysing the work of other researchers. Some historians work in museums as curators or guides, or as archivists or genealogists.
Archaeologists organise ‘digs’ to excavate artefacts and materials that they later analyse in a laboratory to determine use and worth. Tasks can range from preparatory surveying and the choosing of sites, to getting your hands dirty in the soil, as well as using computers and high-tech analysis, writing reports and papers and presenting findings.
Anthropologists collect documents, data and physical evidence of civilisations and humanity, making cross-cultural comparisons and focusing on human behaviour. Some anthropologists live in a society for years to determine exactly how it functions. Traditionally, this meant spending time in rain forests with indigenous tribes, but now you could just as likely be sent on an anthropological trip to New York. Tasks include copious research and reading, observing, recording data and publishing findings.
Personal Qualities & Work Environment
Careers in this area suit people who are meticulous, dedicated, have an interest in both science and arts subjects, and who are prepared to research and study widely.
The work environment can range from the office to the library or classroom, or from an ancient Greek temple to the deepest Amazonian jungle. All graduates in these fields may have to spend long periods away from home conducting research and visiting the places they have chosen to study.
The Money
The salary you receive will be dependent on the area into which you move, along with your experience and career success. As a guide, assistant curators initially make around €23,000 a year.
The Jargon
Prehistory: A term used to describe the time that preceded the first human writing
Revisionism: The reinterpretation of history with the discovery of new information, often at odds with commonly held beliefs
Chronology: Placing events in correct order according to when they happened
Job Titles
Historian
Archaeologist
Anthropologist
Archivist
Curator
Genealogist
Palaeontologist
Further Resources
The National Archives
Bishop Street
Dublin 8
Phone: 01 407 2300
Web: www.nationalarchives.ie
Email: info@nationalarchives.ie
History Ireland Magazine
P.O. Box 69
Bray
Co. Wicklow
Phone: 01 276 5221
Web: www.historyireland.com
Email: carol.mcm@historyireland.com
The Anthropological Association of Ireland
Web: www.anthropologyireland.org
Anthropology.net
www.anthropology.net
Institute of Archaeologists of Ireland
63 Merrion Square
Dublin 2
Phone: 01 662 9517
Web: www.instituteofarchaeologistsofireland.ie
Email: iaireland@eircom.net
National Monuments Service
Department of the Environment, Heritage and Local Government
Dún Scéine
Harcourt Lane
Dublin 2
Phone: 01 888 3109
Web: www.archaeology.ie
Email: nationalmonuments@environ.ie
The History Channel
Web: www.history.com
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