John Coniconde
| Degrees: | Bachelor of Global and International Studies Honours with Specialization in Global and Transnational History |
| Email: | john.coniconde@carleton.ca |
What is your favourite thing about the program?
My favourite aspect of Carleton’s history program was the variety of different history courses from different geographical regions. As a BGInS transnational history student, I was introduced to classes from a wide variety of disciplines. Such classes that I otherwise would have not taken if it were not for my specialization.
What will you miss the most?
Definitely studying abroad was one of the things I will miss the most. My time taking history courses at Swansea University in Wales was truly unforgettable. I highly recommend everyone to consider studying abroad as part of their history/BGInS degree. The courses I have taken, the people I have met, and the places I have visited added value to my undergraduate degree.
What is your favourite reading/book/text from the program?
My favourite book “The Vimy Trap” by Jamie Swift and Ian McKay. The book was part of my final research paper in Prof. Andrew Johnston’s 4th-year seminar on the First World War. Initially, I was trying to understand how Canada’s contributions at the Battle of Vimy Ridge helped create its birth-of-a-nation narrative. However, reading “The Vimy Trap” and my other research challenged my initial belief and taught me about the Vimy Myth or Vimyism. The Vimy Myth was used to instill a sense of nationalism after the 1967 centenary and heavily reinforced in education and government policies of later First World War anniversaries. Although it was both dispointmenting and rewarding at the same time, I learned the importance of never taking history at face value. Memory and meaning can be re-interpreted to fit an agenda. Hence, why history is such an important discipline for uncovering the truth.
What’s next for you?
I will be continuing my graduate studies at Carleton at the Norman Paterson School of International Affairs (NPSIA) for an M.A in International Affairs specializing in Security and Defence Policy. The skills and lessons I have learned from taking history classes throughout my time in BGInS will no doubt benefit me at NPSIA.