Understanding History

Pre-History and History

• The term used to describe the period of events before the invention of writing systems is pre-history.
• History is different from myth in that history is based on evidence and facts, while myth is a story that is passed down and often includes supernatural or fictional elements.

Purpose and Sources of History

• The main purpose of history as an academic discipline is to seek knowledge of the past.
• Historians use various sources to seek knowledge of the past, including written documents, oral traditions, and material evidence.

Cultural Stories and Print Culture

• The term used for stories common to a particular culture but not supported by external sources is myth.
• Print culture refers to the widespread use of printed materials, such as books and newspapers, for communication and information.
• Elizabeth Eisenstein contrasted the print culture of Europe with European scribal culture.

Print Culture in Asia and Europe

• The introduction of Buddhism and Islam had different consequences for the formation of print culture in Asia.
• From the fifteenth century on, the transformation in Europe was the development of image-based communication, such as woodcuts and engravings.

Basis of Print Culture

• The basis for print culture, as studied from the period involving the gradual movement from oration to script, was the development of writing systems.

Political Parties

• The primary purpose of a political party is to promote the interests of its members and supporters.
• Political parties are considered important in the politics of autocracies as well as democracies because they provide a way for people to organize and participate in the political process.
• The role of a party leader is to guide and direct the party's activities and make key decisions.
• Political parties usually include a set of members, supporters, and leaders who share similar political beliefs and goals.
• The significance of political parties in a country's politics is that they provide a way for people to participate in the political process and influence decision-making.