Well done you for becoming a PSU History student. I need hardly here expound on the rewards and treasures yielded by the study of history. However, navigating through the world of academica historia may, at times, be daunting. One purpose of The Ranke, therefore, is to address aspects of the History experience (PSU and otherwise) that are often not covered by other resources. The purpose of this post (or thesis, if you are in the scholastic frame of mind) is to discuss the importance of forging connections with faculty, peers, and the History profession at large, which may seem obvious, but is often overlooked.
An essential ingredient in enriching your academic career is good relations with faculty in the History and other departments. Faculty know things and, more importantly, they are willing to impart their knowledge and help you. Beyond being experts in their field(s) of study, they know, among many things, what is involved in obtaining a degree (BA/MA/PhD), what earthly purpose a History degree serves (i.e. how you can put your degree to use beyond undergraduate/graduate study), and what you can do to make the most out of your time as a student (e.g. special courses not offered in the catalog, events, lectures, conferences, organizations, student job opportunities). If they happen to not know something you would like to know, they will send you to people who do know. In essence, make it a point to get to know the faculty beyond the classroom and show them that you are bright, hardworking, and eager to learn. All you have to do is make an appointment with the faculty member either by email or in person. Easy peasy, lemon squeezy.
In addition to faculty, your fellow students are fantastic and unique resources. History as a discipline thrives on collaboration (and, for that matter, contention, which is always loads of fun). You will find in a quick read through of thesis/dissertation acknowledgements how valuable friendships with fellow students are. Friends in the same boat offer conversation, entertainment, information, and support. One of the best places to meet new friends is in your classes, but department and Phi Alpha Theta events present opportunities as well, especially as free food is often supplied. Hang out in the History Department's lobby (reception/waiting area?) or pop your head into the TA office (CH 488) and introduce yourself to the care-free grad students. Good returns will be earned by your efforts. Honest.
Traveling beyond PSU, I highly recommend becoming a member of professional organizations for historians. A great introductory organization is the American Historical Association, only $40/year for students. Aside from the excellent quarterly journal the American Historical Review and the insightful (although sometimes depressing) monthly magazine Perspectives on History, membership provides access to professional guides and databases, prizes and grants, and the annual meeting (Chicago 2012, New Orleans 2013, Washington D.C. 2014), which is a great opportunity to see historians in action (or historian inaction, depending on the presenter), learn about current research, and widen your circle of contacts. Ask Dr. Luckett or the History office staff about potential funding for attending.
With that, another cheery welcome to PSU History and I hope the above proves at least marginally beneficial to you. Comments and contributions are warmly encouraged and check The Ranke regularly for (more) wit and wisdom.
An essential ingredient in enriching your academic career is good relations with faculty in the History and other departments. Faculty know things and, more importantly, they are willing to impart their knowledge and help you. Beyond being experts in their field(s) of study, they know, among many things, what is involved in obtaining a degree (BA/MA/PhD), what earthly purpose a History degree serves (i.e. how you can put your degree to use beyond undergraduate/graduate study), and what you can do to make the most out of your time as a student (e.g. special courses not offered in the catalog, events, lectures, conferences, organizations, student job opportunities). If they happen to not know something you would like to know, they will send you to people who do know. In essence, make it a point to get to know the faculty beyond the classroom and show them that you are bright, hardworking, and eager to learn. All you have to do is make an appointment with the faculty member either by email or in person. Easy peasy, lemon squeezy.
In addition to faculty, your fellow students are fantastic and unique resources. History as a discipline thrives on collaboration (and, for that matter, contention, which is always loads of fun). You will find in a quick read through of thesis/dissertation acknowledgements how valuable friendships with fellow students are. Friends in the same boat offer conversation, entertainment, information, and support. One of the best places to meet new friends is in your classes, but department and Phi Alpha Theta events present opportunities as well, especially as free food is often supplied. Hang out in the History Department's lobby (reception/waiting area?) or pop your head into the TA office (CH 488) and introduce yourself to the care-free grad students. Good returns will be earned by your efforts. Honest.
Traveling beyond PSU, I highly recommend becoming a member of professional organizations for historians. A great introductory organization is the American Historical Association, only $40/year for students. Aside from the excellent quarterly journal the American Historical Review and the insightful (although sometimes depressing) monthly magazine Perspectives on History, membership provides access to professional guides and databases, prizes and grants, and the annual meeting (Chicago 2012, New Orleans 2013, Washington D.C. 2014), which is a great opportunity to see historians in action (or historian inaction, depending on the presenter), learn about current research, and widen your circle of contacts. Ask Dr. Luckett or the History office staff about potential funding for attending.
With that, another cheery welcome to PSU History and I hope the above proves at least marginally beneficial to you. Comments and contributions are warmly encouraged and check The Ranke regularly for (more) wit and wisdom.
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