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Discover the definition, roles, qualifications, and career insights for Instructor positions specializing in the History of History, also known as historiography, in higher education.
The term Instructor refers to an academic professional in higher education primarily responsible for teaching undergraduate-level courses. Unlike tenured professors, Instructors often hold non-tenure-track positions focused on instruction rather than extensive research. This role, common in universities and colleges worldwide, involves designing syllabi, delivering lectures, facilitating seminars, assessing student work, and providing office hours for academic support. In the United States, for example, Instructors may teach multiple sections per semester, handling classes of 20 to 200 students depending on the institution. The position originated in the late 19th century as universities expanded to meet growing demand for accessible education, evolving from earlier tutor roles in institutions like Harvard, founded in 1636.
For a broader overview of Instructor jobs, including general duties across disciplines, visit the dedicated page. In specialized fields like History of History, Instructors bring unique expertise to illuminate how historical narratives are constructed.
History of History, commonly known as historiography, is the scholarly study of the methods, practices, and evolution of historical writing. It examines how historians have interpreted the past across eras—from ancient chroniclers like Thucydides, who emphasized eyewitness accounts in the 5th century BCE, to modern approaches like the Annales School in 20th-century France, which prioritized social and economic factors over political events. This field analyzes biases, sources, and paradigms, such as positivist history in the 19th century or postmodern challenges to objectivity in the late 20th century.
An Instructor in History of History teaches students to critically evaluate these developments, fostering skills in source criticism and narrative analysis. For instance, they might explore Leopold von Ranke's 19th-century mantra of history "as it actually happened" (wie es eigentlich gewesen) versus contemporary global histories incorporating non-Western perspectives. This specialty equips learners to understand history not as fixed facts but as a dynamic discipline shaped by cultural contexts.
To secure Instructor jobs in History of History, candidates typically need a Master's degree in History or a related field, with a PhD strongly preferred, especially at four-year institutions. The doctorate often involves a dissertation on historiographical topics, such as the impact of colonialism on historical methodologies.
Research focus centers on expertise in key areas like:
Preferred experience includes peer-reviewed publications in journals, conference papers at events like the American Historical Association annual meeting, and securing small grants for archival work. Teaching experience as a graduate assistant is invaluable, demonstrating ability to simplify complex theories for undergraduates.
Success as a History of History Instructor demands:
Adaptability to global contexts, such as integrating African or Asian historiographical traditions, enhances employability amid diversifying curricula.
The Instructor role serves as a launchpad for academic careers, with many advancing through demonstrated teaching excellence and publications. Salaries vary: around $50,000-$70,000 USD annually in the U.S. for full-time positions, per 2023 data from the American Association of University Professors. Globally, similar roles in the UK or Australia offer comparable pay adjusted for cost of living.
Prepare by refining your academic CV and exploring trends via higher ed employer strategies. For opportunities, browse higher-ed jobs, career advice, university jobs, or post a job to connect with institutions seeking historiography experts. Recent discussions on historical legacies, like in Udai Singh's legacy, highlight the field's relevance.
Reach qualified history of history professionals across any industry. List your vacancy on AcademicJobs.com.
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