Beyond that, the course is intended to help a student appreciate the complexity of human history in general, using aspects of Europe's Middle Ages as examples. By seeing European history in a global context, we can better appreciate the strengths and weaknesses of European civilization. In this respect, the course seeks to expand each student's consciousness of his or her role in human history by affording opportunities to compare and contrast his or her life with those we are studying. By analyzing the choices available to a broad array of historical individuals, some typical, some not, this course seeks to help students become more understanding of others and of themselves. The implicit goals of this course are to enhance each student's powers in sensitivity, analysis and communication.
History also lends itself to the exercise of persuasive communication skills, both oral and written.
Good history must be well told or well written. One cannot separate the study of the past from the way in which it this study is expressed. T. Madden, A Concise History of the Crusades. 5. Too Many. 6. Zoe Oldenbourg, The Cornerstone.