How can you combine different fields to study history?

There is a definite trend developing in these articles! Of the five fields of study listed above, only one is what I would call a HARD science, Geography! Geography is also the only one with a practical component to it. Where are Archaeology, Biology, Chemistry & Physics on that list, or for that matter Carpentry, Farming or Metalworking? Also, the trend in research of these articles, goes no earlier than the 18th Century AD, and emphasises what I would call "WOKE" perspectives on history. In the case given to the left, without Archaeology, Biology, Chemistry & Physics you will not have the DNA, Strontium-90, or bone analysis results to answer many of those questions postulated left!

Es kommt darauf an, in welchem Bereich man später arbeiten will (und auch welche Fächerkombination die jeweilige Universität zulässt). So kann es sinnvoll sein, sich weitere geschichtsnahe Fächer anzuschauen, etwa Kunstgeschichte, Archäologie oder Denkmalpflege. Aber es kann eben auch sinnvoll sein, ganz andere Bereiche für den Kompetenzaufbau hinzuziehen, etwa Betriebswirtschaftslehre (wenn es später auch um Finanzierung oder Vermarktung gehen soll), Jura (wenn rechtliche Aspekte eine Rolle spielen) oder etwa Journalismus, wenn mein Ziel darin liegt, über geschichtliche Themen zu publizieren. Hier sind viele Kombinationen denkbar.

In my experience, combining fields is crucial to having greater insight into the artifacts you study. My academic journey began looking at ancient material in the field of religious studies (through exegesis based on Greek and Hebrew sources), and soon after moved to comparative literary analysis with cognitive literary research and cultural studies in modern languages such as Spanish, English, and Portuguese. Now, I find myself exploring history through the lens of all the tools I have gained in the past. Knowing various disciplines enriches the researcher's view of any material she encounters, and it allows for the writing process to remain objective and multi-referential, contributing to more than one community of scientific inquiry.

A deep understanding of one's field is crucial. Initially majoring in anthropology, I found limited job market applications. However, an introductory archaeology course revealed a captivating subfield with strong industry support. Archaeology, within anthropology, explores past human societies through artifact excavation and analysis, especially in cultural resource management. The holistic perspective is fundamental in anthropology, examining all aspects of human societies comprehensively. Specializing in archaeology, I aim to contribute to our understanding of human history, whether in academia, cultural resource management, or museums. Varied career paths exist, so networking and involvement in archaeological projects are key.

Talking to a professor or professional mentor about your career aspirations can be a great way of identifying what will be the most valuable to you long-term. It's also essential to stay on top of more global technological developments, for example, as these can have a formative impact on your discipline. For instance, the rise of data analytics as a profession has fuelled an interest in more data-driven humanities, especially amongst younger researchers.

"Interdisciplinary historical research, like archaeological excavation, starts with defining key terms and exploring diverse sources. Begin with secondary sources for context, much like an archaeologist consulting experts. They guide you to primary sources, vital for comprehensive research."

Start simple and remain grounded in your data. Writing can sometimes be excruciating, but organizing the simplest of ideas within a framework that makes sense to you can go a long way. My writing process often starts by looking at other authors so that I have relevant examples of what I consider successful writing. Later, I move on to creating a simple yet effective structure that organizes my findings into something that is cohesive before I go on to fleshing out the body. The Chicago Manual of Style, the MLA Guide, and the APA Manual have been my best friends throughout my writing journey.

Historians often keep research to themselves until they are ready to release the information in a book or article, etc. But when you are researching a topic, it's imperative to discuss it with others to the extent you can. These conversations can lead to research paths you never considered, ideas you didn't think about, and newer historical themes. In my research of a private mental health facility, discussions with academics, archivists, preservationists, etc. has led to multiple paths for future research. I have a list of at least a half dozen research topics to pursue with the same hospital. These conversations are so important.

Exposure to an assorted set of archival repositories is key. Oftentimes, researchers do not venture into exploring unlikely places where their sources may take a better contextual grip because of a lack of skills or familiarity with other languages, communities, and cultures. However, even mere exposure to other repositories can illuminate the researcher's approach to the material they have already encountered elsewhere. Arm yourself with all the technology you have, cultivate skills that will diversify your approach to the material you study, dive deep into new horizons, and ask others.