Why Study History and Evaluating Primary Sources

Why Study History? Evaluating Primary Sources 

Part I

Directions: Read the multiple definitions below. Identify which definition you believe is best and explain why you made that decision.

“History” Definitions:

his‧to‧ry plural histories

1. [uncountable] all the things that happened in the past, especially the political, social, or economic development of a nation

2. [singular, uncountable] the events that took place from the beginning and during the development of a particular place, activity, and institution etc.

3. [uncountable] the study of past events as a subject in school or university 4. [countable] an account of past events

5. [uncountable and countable] a record of something that has affected someone or been done by them in the past

The best definition is that “history” is

“the events that took place from the beginning and during the development of a particular place, activity, and institution etc.”

Because it outlines the most important elements of historical development, ensuring that different issues and aspects are covered from the beginning and during the development process. In this regard, the definition covers all aspects of history.

Part II

Directions: Read the quotes below and answer the question.

“History, despite its wrenching pain, cannot be unlived, but if faced with courage, need not be lived again,” -Maya Angelou

“Those who do not remember the past are condemned to repeat it,” -George Santayana

Based on these two quotes I think we should study history because it reminds us of the most important happenings in life. It also outlines the different historical mistakes, injustices, and core social and developmental issues that affected humanity.

Part III

Directions: Based on the cartoon below, identify evidence about how the illustrator views what “history” is.

1. What do you see in the illustration?

I can see students, a teacher, and a blackboard indicating it is time for History 101

1. What is the meaning/significance of each of these items?

The elements signify why it is important to teach history in school. The teacher argues that the class should pay attention so that they do not be fooled as their parents. This is important because it reveals the importance of history. The blackboard with history 101 written reveal that people must face history as an important aspect in life.

1. What do you think the overall message of the illustration is?

Part IV

Directions: Based on what you have read and discussed, answer the focus question.

Lesson Focus Question: Why should we study United States History?

Directions:

Step 1: Read each paragraph, silently.

Step 2: Highlight the key words or phrases (ideas that go together).

Step 3: Create a title for that passage.

Source: Joy Hakim, A History of Us: The First Americans Prehistory-1600 (2007).

1. The United States Government

The United States isn’t perfect. Far from it. Being fair to everyone in a large nation is very difficult. The U.S. government has made some terrible mistakes. It is still making mistakes. But usually this nation can and does, correct its mistakes. That is because we are a democracy; power belongs to the people not the rulers. We are also a nation governed by the law.  Everyone—the president, congressmen, congresswomen and you—lives by the same laws.

2. Justice in the United States

Justice is fairness. Having the same laws for all is fair. In the United States you are free to do anything that anyone else can do. You can run for president, be...