On the other hand, degree holders in history and historians in general can and do make definite contributions to their communities, not only as teachers and academics, but as writers, cultural leaders, social and economic planners, administrators, researchers, librarians and museum curators, and aware, committed parents and citizens. Historians can work in many fields, and should not be thought of as limited only to the teaching of history to future generations. Wherever they are, their thorough knowledge of the past ages of, and modern, man, and their ability to compare and contrast the development of a variety of cultures and nations, gives them a depth and breadth of understanding which adds value to the social, cultural, and economic programmes in which they engage.

The aim and characteristics of History can be summarised as follows:

• History examines men and their actions in a chronological order or in particular periods and places;
• History studies the actions and deeds of men in relations to the social formations such as institution, religion, society, culture, civilization, nation and state;
• History acknowledges the role of moral dimension and reflective thinking in the actions of men.

On the basis of the above, it is clear that History can play an important role in observing the worldwide changes, understanding the present, and planning the future.

OBJECTIVE

General

The Study of history has certain objectives as follows:

• Discussing how the condition of men has changed over time until it comes to a particular stage; and why and how men have brought about changes.
• Explaining how events have affected mankind in the last few centuries, especially the formation of nation-state, development of nation-building, industrialization, religious, social and economic change, war, and revolution.
• Training the students to examine human actions which brought about the occurence of significant events in the past as well as created great and long-lasting impact.
• Guiding the students on the method of historical research; with the hope that they could contribute to scientific works and ideas on historical study, particularly on Brunei historiography.

Specific

The Department of History aims at graduating degree holders who possess broad knowledge about Negara Brunei Darussalam, surrounding regions and beyond, Muslim World, those who have exercised influence in them, and humanity; as well as master various historical theories and methods so that they are able to examine issues and events of History objectively and critically. In addition to that, by the admission of B.A. (FASS) and B.A. Education students into the Department, the degree holders are prepared: (a) to evaluate up-to-date works and interpretations on the countries included in the History subject at the 'O' and 'A' Level; (b) to inculcate skills in evaluating and improving curriculum and text books; (c) to promote appreciation of History as a discipline and its relevance to society; and (d) to encourage the research and writing of Brunei and local histories.