History 10 How to Think About History Do

History 10 How to Think About History

Do you… � Believe that there will be a last day to history or a Day of Judgement? � Believe humankind is continually progressing or improving? � Believe there existed a time of darkness in the past and that we now inhabit a time of light? � Divide history up into three distinct periods—ancient, medieval and modern? � Understand why we differ from the Greeks (who wrote to make meaning), Israelites (who wrote to demonstrate the role of God) or Romans (who wrote to convince) when it comes to writing history?

Causation �Events are the products of other events, e. g. World War I to World War II �The weight of circumstances leads to change �The influence of thinkers and important people can lead to change

Change �In is ongoing and ever present every aspect of our lives, things are changing and in other respects they remain constant �Changes can take place slowly or rapidly/dramatically �Change does not necessarily imply progress and continuity does not necessarily imply a lack of progress

Continuity �Continuity connects different historical periods and developments �Distinct historical periods are a product of historians looking back at history trying to make sense of things �The idea that we are part of some sort of single shared story is a fiction or construction of historians and theologians �Narratives are important because human beings connect to meaningful stories

Perspectives & Biases � History is not a science but a perspective or story �Perspectives reflect the values and worldview of the story tellers/historians �Bias determines what is included or omitted in a narrative or story