What is History What is history Historia Greek

What is History?

What is history? �Historia: Greek word for record inquiry (seeking the truth) �Definition: a story or record of important events that happened to a person or nation

Why Study History? �Avoid repeating past mistakes �Learn about ourselves and our origins �Inform/ improve our skills of study �Learn about other cultures

The Historical Method of Investigation Historians formulate a theory. They investigate and test this theory by researching relevant/significant data. This data comes from evidence : primary and secondary sources. They analyze data for conflict, change, or patterns. Historians must consider the context of the time and possible bias. This helps them to develop an interpretation of the historical events. Their final conclusion is called a thesis.

Primary Source �A primary source is a document or physical object which was written or created during the time under study. These sources were present during an experience or time period and offer an inside view of a particular event. Some types of primary sources include: ORIGINAL DOCUMENTS like diaries, speeches, manuscripts, letters, interviews, news film footage, autobiographies, and official records � Poetry, drama, novels, music, art � Pottery, furniture, clothing, buildings

Secondary Source �A secondary source interprets and analyzes primary sources. These sources are one or more steps removed from the event. Secondary sources may have pictures, quotes or graphics of primary sources in them. Some types of secondary sources include: textbooks, magazine articles, newspapers, encyclopedias, and secondhand stories.

Handout : Match Primary and Secondary Sources.

Historical Dating �Systems � BC/BCE � We are currently 2015 CE �Methods (p. 11 of text) � Stratigraphy � Radiocarbon � DNA � https: //www. youtube. com/watch? v=m. Np 68 vv. Fm. DY