History Classes in High School and the Real World
In high school, history is a core subject area you need to learn about. If you’ve ever been to school, you’ve probably taken a US, European, or world history class at some point. History classes focus on significant events that changed society, like wars or the passing of influential laws. These events have been critical to the creation of our world today and should not be ignored.
But sometimes, I find myself getting discouraged or sad from hearing only about violent events, despite their importance. Why don’t schools teach us about ketchup sold as medicine at some point or that Mary did have a little lamb?
I might have been more motivated to study if they shared some facts in history class. But don’t worry! I’ll discuss some fun connections between the class and the world.
Type of History Taught in High School
There are many types of history taught here in the United States. History curriculums can differ by state, and crucial topics can be left out. In high school history, in the US, Europe, or elsewhere, students read about significant events and politics while analyzing documents, learning critical thinking skills, and various essays. Many high schools also have law and government courses.
History classes are often to the brim in content. There’s only so much you can cover in a year! Many lesser-known events are left out to fit everything.
If your school offers AP classes, they can be a great way to challenge yourself, going more in-depth in the subject. In my junior year, while taking AP U.S. History, I learned about events such as the Civil War and influential people such as Dorothea Dix, whose activism for mental illness awareness isn’t as well known.
Connecting History to Real Life
It can be difficult to relate our lives today to the ones lived by historical figures. Learning about history can feel isolating. You feel as if you’re living in a whole different world. Luckily, the media can help us close that bridge between centuries ago to remind us that we’re a part of history.
Countless historical fiction shows and books are worth reading, as they can help you understand the context of the time and why or how it relates to now. I am not a big historical media fan, but I have watched and read a few things that engaged me.
One movie I watched is 12 Years A Slave, directed by Steve McQueen. This movie shows the inside life of an enslaved community in the 1800s, based on Solomon Northup’s memoir of the same name. I believe this movie is so important if you want to understand slavery better, as it gives details on both the enslavers and enslaved individuals.
I recently read Dark and Deepest Red by Anna-Marie McLemore, a historical fiction novel set during the dancing plague of 1518 in France. It tells the love story between a girl accused of witchcraft and a boy on the opposing side. While this book is a little magical, it’s based on the actual dancing craze and has a lot of inclusivity, including Latinx and transgender characters.
I highly encourage you to find media that interests you and is related to history, because it has educated and expanded my knowledge.
How to Make History Class Fun
Getting tired of a subject or class is something that every student can relate to. Luckily, there are many ways for you to prevent academic burnout and keep your mind and body healthy. But sometimes, even if you follow all these tips, you might have a class you’re struggling to find interest in.
As a young student, you might feel disconnected from history because most events happened long before you were born. It can be easy to forget that everyone in history was human, just like you.
Sometimes, I imagine people in the 1800s only reading books under candlelight and talking about tea all day. Yet, I realize that everyday civilians probably had imaginations and ideas as goofy as mine! So when I come across historical facts, I realize that I’m a part of history, and you are too.
For example, Abraham Lincoln is mainly known as the American president during the Civil War who signed the Emancipation Proclamation. We see him as a 19th-century heroic figure, but when you dig deeper, you’ll find out he was also a talented bartender.
This historical icon gave people orange punch on the regular, even co-owning a drinking tavern in New Salem.
Another interesting thing to connect history to our lives now is the light bulb. We all know Thomas Edison for inventing the light bulb, but that’s not true. In 1840, Warren de la Rue, a British scientist, created the first efficiently designed light bulb.
Before him, there were already many “templates” for light bulbs. Edison himself said, my so-called inventions already existed in the environment. I’ve created nothing. Nobody does.”
Some historical facts can also be amazingly ridiculous, and that’s part of why I love it. For instance, Napoleon Bonaparte was attacked by bunnies. He organized the bunnies to go after his enemies, but his plan backfired as they attacked him instead.
Hearing small, fun facts helps me engage in history class when motivation decreases. Despite the often disheartening aspects of history and current events, we should refresh our minds by reminding ourselves that everyone in history was human, many of whom may have had the same silly imaginations that we have today.
Conclusion
It may sound like I hate history class, which isn’t true. It’s one of my favorite subjects because I’m a person who strongly wants to know why something happens. History provides me with information, so I understand why our world is the way it is.
If you’re having trouble with a history assignment or feeling unmotivated, interesting facts about history might not ease your worries! But at UPchieve, there are wonderful resources to help you with your needs.
I encourage you to sign up for a free tutoring lesson with UPchieve! They offer personalized 1-on-1 tutoring, available 24/7. Your education is important, and you deserve the best support!