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

What is history?

Avoid repeating past mistakes

Learn about ourselves and our origins

Inform/ improve our skills of study

Learn about other cultures

Why Study History?

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.

The Historical Method of Investigation

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

Primary 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.  

Secondary Source

Handout :

Match Primary and Secondary Sources.

SystemsBC/BCEWe are currently 2015CE

Methods (p.11 of text)Stratigraphy RadiocarbonDNAhttps://www.youtube.com/watch?

v=mNp68vvFmDY

Historical Dating