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    Understanding Meaning and Relevance in History

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    Iris Dune Parubrub
    The document defines history as the study of the past based on written documents and evidence. It discusses how historians' understanding of what counts as valid historical sources has expanded beyond just written documents. The document also examines different definitions of history, the characteristics of history as a discipline, who history is relevant for, and issues around perceptions of history being written by victors.

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    Understanding Meaning and Relevance in History

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    Iris Dune Parubrub
    58 views16 pages
    The document defines history as the study of the past based on written documents and evidence. It discusses how historians' understanding of what counts as valid historical sources has expanded beyond just written documents. The document also examines different definitions of history, the characteristics of history as a discipline, who history is relevant for, and issues around perceptions of history being written by victors.

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    1. Understanding Meaning and Relevance in History

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    The document defines history as the study of the past based on written documents and evidence. It discusses how historians' understanding of what counts as valid historical sources has expanded beyond just written documents. The document also examines different definitions of history, the characteristics of history as a discipline, who history is relevant for, and issues around perceptions of history being written by victors.

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    © All Rights Reserved
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    58 views16 pages

    Understanding Meaning and Relevance in History

    Uploaded by

    Iris Dune Parubrub
    The document defines history as the study of the past based on written documents and evidence. It discusses how historians' understanding of what counts as valid historical sources has expanded beyond just written documents. The document also examines different definitions of history, the characteristics of history as a discipline, who history is relevant for, and issues around perceptions of history being written by victors.

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    You are on page 1of 16

    Module 1

    Understanding Meaning and Relevance in History


    Course learning outcomes
    At the end of the chapter, you are able to :
    • Define history as an academic discipline;
    • Explain the nature of history and its nuances;
    • Appreciate the value and importance of knowing the past
    • Familiarize oneself with the methods of historical study
    Definition and Subject Matter
    • History is the study of the past.
    • This definition does not give justice to the complexity of the subject
    and its importance to human civilization.
    History
    • Derived from the Greek word, • Historia- account of the past of a
    historia, knowledge acquired person or of a group of people
    through inquiry or investigation. through written documents and
    • Adapted to classical Latin where historical evidences.
    it acquired a new definition.
    • It became an important discipline.
    • The duty of the historian was to write about the lives of important
    individuals like monarchs, heroes, saints and nobilities.
    • It also focused on writing about wars, revolutions, and other important
    breakthroughs.
    What accounts as history?
    • Traditional historians believed that if there are no documents, then
    there can be no history.
    • What is the disadvantage of this perspective?
    1) It invalidates the history of other civilizations that do not keep
    written records;
    2) It also discriminates against other social classes who are not
    recorded in paper.
    • This loophole was recognized by historians who started using other
    kinds of historical sources (not written) but just as valid.
    • i.e. epics, songs, artifacts, architecture, coins, epitaphs, even memory.
    • What was the offshoot of this?
    • History became more inclusive and started collaborating with other
    disciplines as its auxiliary disciplines.
    • E. Carr in his work What is • As a field of inquiry
    Other History? defines it in two • It is the systematic study a
    definitions of ways: historian makes to explain
    • As a process the directions and changes
    History • It includes the past as it in the historical process.
    happened and those that are
    being created.
    • Early history, ancient history,
    contemporary history, the
    making of history, history in
    the making
    Characteristics:
    • It follows a systematic method of gathering data from historical
    sources;
    • It tests a hypothesis;
    • It forms conclusions based on verified or tested evidence.
    • It uses qualitative analytical techniques
    Processes involved
    History

    Historia Kasaysayan
    For whom is it relevant?
    1. To ourselves
    It nurtures personal and collective identity in a diverse world.

    It teaches us vital skills.


    For whom is it relevant?
    2. To our communities
    It is the foundation of a strong, vibrant community.
    It is the catalyst for economic growth.
    States use history to unite a nation.
    For whom is it relevant?
    3. To our future
    It helps people envision a better future.
    It inspires leaders.
    It is the foundation of future generations.
    For whom is it relevant?
    4. It is always intended for a group of audiences.
    Questions and Issues of History
    The accusation that history is always written by victors.

    This impression can be avoided if a more thorough historical


    investigation is in place which will reveal a more nuanced account of
    history of a period, instead of a simplified narrative as a story of hero
    versus the villain.

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