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Sample:
Statement Of Purpose
Sample
SOP's
History
The
History Student, admitted to Rice
Why in the world do you want to become a historian? Heaven knows
Russia doesn’t need professional historians! » Having studied
for five years at the department of history at Moscow State
University, I was constantly surprised by how frequently I have
been asked that particular question. Many have urged me over the
years to make a change, to align my career with more basic
interests. Unlike these people I have a firm believe that every
person can create his happiness with his own hands, and my
happiness is in history.
An intense interest in history has always been a trademark of
mine. I grew up in a family of historians, so since early
childhood I got used to the sounds of disputes in history, in
which later I took part myself: Some day I grew to challenge my
parents and win, using my own rules of logic and argument, in
spite of their influence on my theories about history.
It was time when the USSR began its painful transformation into
the new Russia; the time, full of revolutionary events and ideas,
hopes and expectations for a new life after crush of communism.
Conceptions, opinions and ideas, freedom of speech and opening of
archives created favorable mental atmosphere, which inevitably
stimulated my interest in history and aspiration for cognition.
When I read books of Walter Scott, I was fascinated by Scotland.
Soon my interest of Scotland became more concrete — I tried to
examine actual resources of economic growth and rapid formation of
capitalist system in XVIII century Scotland in order to find «remedies»
for the diseases of Russian economy. My decision to become a
historian followed logically the desire to grasp the meaning of
the present and the perspectives of the future through
understanding of the past.
Entering the department of history at Rostov State University (in
my native city) was the first important step in my life. But after
the first year of studies I realized that Russian «wind of change»
didn’t influence «soviet» ideological approach to history, at
least in the Russian province. At this time I have chosen the
opinion of English philosopher Joseph Priestly as my motto: «We
have to make our lives ourselves.» Inspired by the idea, I
decided to do the next important step in my career: to change the
kind of education and the way of life. I transferred to Moscow
State University, the best institution for getting education in
history in Russian Federation.
This year I graduated from Moscow State University and faced the
dilemma of choosing the best way to continue my education. Today,
standing on the threshold of the next vitally important period in
my life, I am going to follow my principle in shaping my own life.
To help you understand my current goals better, I would like to
explain my educational experience up to this point. While studying
I was interested in modern British history, my research work was
devoted to the British Enlightenment. The first course paper with
the title «Political ideal of Joseph Priestly» had won
recognition as one of the three best student’s works of the year
at the department. Later I narrowed my focus to a particular
problem of the Scottish Enlightenment, because my early interest
to the Scottish Enlightenment was born of passion for Scotland. So
in my next written works I investigated a contribution of Adam
Ferguson, a famous Scottish philosopher, to development of
political economy. The graduation paper had the title: «Social
and economic thoughts of Adam Ferguson» and it took its place in
the department’s library of the best graduation papers.
During educational process I had different experiences connected
to history. For some time I was lucky enough to teach at school
and work in archives and libraries (see attached Student report
summary of academic records). Also my educational background and
scientific importance of the theme helped me publish articles in
historical magazines and to take part in conferences.
In terms of career, my goals are to teach history, conduct
research projects, and publish results of the projects. To achieve
my aims means to become a specialist with high qualifications.
Unfortunately, the latest changes in Russia brought about not only
positive democratic reforms and political freedom but also
reduction of employment possibilities for scientists and
curtailment of stable government subsidies for scientific
projects. As a result, history suffers from this situation as all
other fields of science do.
To my mind it is of key importance to have possibilities to obtain
excellent education and to conduct certain research projects
independently that is why I consider doctoral studies at Princeton
University as the next professional stepping stone in my career.
First of all, teaching assistantship program could provide me with
the practical teaching experience. My desire is to learn in
practice how to guide others in their explorations of the world
through history, to encourage them to see in history all I see in
it: the whole of human experience and the power of human intellect
and imagination.
Further, earning a Ph.D. in history would advance my other goals
by adding to my creative and analytical skills in history as well
as in working with language. Development of history as a science
in Russia depended on ideological strategy of the only ruling
political party for the last seventy years. Inevitably it left
traces on the main approach to history. With certainty I can
assert, that manifestations of such approach are still very
powerful in historical education in Russia. Apparently, we should
take not only external democratic institutions, but rather change
our approach to life, which can affect our approach to history.
However it may be, Russian historians should use experience of
colleagues from the countries with democratic traditions. I still
feel I have so much more to learn about different approaches to
history.
Taking all the circumstances into consideration, I came to the
conclusion, that the best opportunity to pursue my «chosen path»
would be to continue my education as a graduate student at
Princeton University. The facilities, scholarship, and traditions
of your university, combined with the caliber of the student’s
body, make me confident that I will be stimulated throughout the
course of my studies. Upon graduating from your program, a variety
of options are available for pursuing my objectives.
In conclusion I must say that I would regard my being admitted to
the graduate program not only as a great honor but more as a high
responsibility and obligation of hard work.
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