Preliminary Examination Reviewer in GEPLH.docx

**Preliminary Examination Reviewer in GEPLH** Lesson 1: Introduction to History **History** -from the Greek word (histor) which means ["inquiry" or "knowledge from inquiry or learned man"] -study of the human past -a narrative or recorded past events that happened among mankind. \- a chronolog...

**Preliminary Examination Reviewer in GEPLH** Lesson 1: Introduction to History **History** -from the Greek word (histor) which means ["inquiry" or "knowledge from inquiry or learned man"] -study of the human past -a narrative or recorded past events that happened among mankind. \- a chronological, often explanatory or commercial record of events, as of the life or development of a people or institution. -both an [art] and a [science] -one of the branches of the [social sciences] **Issues in History** -HISTORY= HIS STORY -social memory -accurate reporting of history -understanding causation -presentation of history **Point of Views in History** - **Idealism,** the belief that history can be described in terms of ideas. Focused not only about events, but on what those events meant ("thought of the past can be re-thought by the historian.") - **Historicism,** the autonomy of the past must be respected. Each age has its own values, and events should be described within the context of those values (weakness: the legitimization of events) - **Relativism,** there is no absolute truth and that all views of history as valid. **Importance and Use of History** -provides a source of personal and social identity. -helps us understand the problems of the present. -history-good history corrects misleading analogies and "lessons" of the past. -can help one develop tolerance and open mindedness. -helps us better understand all human behaviors and all aspects of the human condition. -provides the basic background for many disciplines. -can be source of entertainment. -history, when studied, can teach many critical skills. **Theoretical Assumptions in the study of History** 1. **Positivism**, entails an [objective means] of arriving at a conclusion. - Thought requires [empirical and observable evidence] before one can claim that a piece of particular knowledge is true. - Historians should pursue the objective truth of the past by allowing historical sources to "speak for themselves", [without additional interpretation]. 2. **Postcolonialism**, emerged in the early 20^th^ century when formerly colonized nations grappled with the idea of **creating their identities and understanding their societies against the shadows of their colonial past.** - Looks at two things in writing history: - To tell the history of their nation that will highlight their identity free from that of colonial discourse and knowledge. - To criticize the methods, effects, and idea of colonialism. **Source of History** 1. **Primary Source** - Original item that provides evidence about the past. - A piece of evidence created during the period under investigation. - 'raw materials' are often considered the foundations of historical research and writing. - Can be an eyewitness account or a firsthand account of a particular event. - Can either be written or unwritten. - Kinds: personal journal, letters, newspaper, magazine, court proceedings, legislative debates, movies, music, art, object or artifacts. 2. **Secondary Source** - Piece of the historical entity that is [anchored in primary sources] - Usually an [assessment or a commentary] of events, people, or institutions of the past. - Offer an analysis or a [restatement] of primary source. - Kinds: books and articles produced by historians, pieces of art, literature, music, created later to represent life in that time period. **Historical Revisionism**- is the reinterpretation of a historical account or narrative based on actual facts and authenticated evidence. **Historical Distortion**- when historical accounts or narratives are changed to suit "personal agenda". It involves disinformation and lies to change history. **[Checking the authenticity and reliability of the primary sources]** 1. **External Criticism**