“We live in unprecedented times” has become the mantra of the present: a global pandemic, environmental disasters, politics seemingly gone mad. News pundits and social media influencers are as one in declaring the uniqueness of our time.
History teachers, as practising historians, have an opportunity, even an obligation, to contextualise these “unprecedented times”. Through the study of past pandemics, political and environmental crises, it becomes possible to comprehend the patterns in the world. The importance of a deep understanding of History has never been more relevant, as governments seem determined to re-litigate the History Wars, privileging STEM and vocational education at all levels from secondary to tertiary. With various class activities included, this presentation makes the case for History in understanding our world and society.