History is not a usual topic of controversy but the material generated through historical research can sometimes stir up debate. It falls within the branch of the so-called Humanities;a word that has its origins in Renaissance Italy when the study of history began to develop. It was thanks to the works of the great Italian scholar, Giambatta Vico that history assumed an identity. As Vico rightly noted, history is based on truth and for Vico “truth itself is a fact”. His constructive epistemology led history to discover new fields of study. New branches started to develop and the philosophy of history began to be studied. It was through such studies that other great scholars such as Ibn Khaldun were discovered in the west. Nearer to us, there was the adaptation of the theory of relativism of Einstein to the world of the humanities. With the introduction of relativism the word humanism hasnow taken a different episteme or form of knowledge and, once again, has become a matter of great debate. But this is the destiny of the Arts; to instigate thinking. The study of history, together with the study of philosophy and languages, and allother relatedtopicsare there to develop to a maximum intellectualpotential.
Yet, one of the most negative criticismsthat are normally leveled against history, in Malta, is that it is one of those subjects that lead nowhere. Unlike doctors, lawyers, architects or accountants, (to mention few of the professions) there is no job specifically tailor made for historians. The same holds for the rest of the Art subjects. However, research is showing that Arts students are highly successful in their careers.Indeed they are employable and many end up getting highly remunerative jobs. Some continue pursuing their studies while others use the course as a gateway to new pastures. I am stating this at the close of another successful academic year for UOM and to destroy the myth that besides teaching there are no other jobsfor students of the Faculty of Arts.
To prove my argument I drawyour attention to the goodnews that failed to make it into the media. Two history students who graduateda year ago sat for a public examination to join the Foreign Office and did extremely well. They are not the first history students to undertake a diplomatic career nor are they the first or last Arts graduates to make it to the Foreign Office.Indeed quite a number of our present diplomats are former students of the Faculty of Arts. In this instance I can remember both of them, as they had followed some of my study-units and both did extremely well even then. My assessment, as that of my fellows at the History Department is proving to be correct. Not only has an external assessor passed them but they have been placed 2nd and 3rd in this highly competitive recruitment exam to join the Foreign Office. Incidentally it is only fair that these two students are given a name. They are Francesca Cassar and Maria Buttigieg.
With their permission, I am here reproducing what they had to say about their experience at UOM and why History was important for them.
Francesca Cassar: “Studying history at university provided me with a professional work ethic that only a discipline like that can offer. The skills of critical and objective analyses it imparted allowed me to explore and understand better international affairs, which are nothing if not a culmination of past experiences. I followed up my History degree with a Masters in Diplomacy, where I found my earlier studies a superb foundation. History gave me a decided edge both in my postgraduate study and eventually in the stiff competition to join the ranks of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. This academic trajectory has turned out to be tremendously useful for my career aspirations.’
Maria Buttigieg views: ‘History opened my eyes to the contemporary world, and how it evolved out of past trends and events. Such mind-broadening knowledge equipped me with new perspectives in interpreting world events and instilled in me the urge to be a critical, clear and objective thinker. The study of History hones one’s sense of analysis, synthesis and persuasiveness, so indispensable for a career in Diplomacy. Besides international affairs my studies helped me understand Malta’s role in Europe, the Mediterranean and beyond. I feel not just that my knowledge of History was responsible for my success so far, but that it will continue to help me perform well in my newcareer as an emerging diplomat.’
To both I wish every success.
Meanwhile, I hope that this can be an eye-opener for others who may have any misgivings regarding reading History at UOM.