An Idea

of Hist

ory

Chapter

One/P

art O

ne – H

istory, th

e Socia

l

Science

s, an

d the S

ocial S

cientif

ic M

ethod.

History – What is It?

A record of the past Events (battles, elections, ceremonies, etc.) People (famous, or everyday) Locations (monuments, battlefields, cemeteries) Buildings Documents Artifacts (objects from the past) Visuals (pictures, drawings, video) And many other things

History – A Definition History is a recreation of the past (as closely as possible)

through the gathering and analysis of authentic (real) historical information from many sources.

The goal is to be as accurate and objective as possible – presenting a fair and balanced account of history.

Historians should allow the reader/student to form their own judgments based on the evidence presented.

Historians should always avoid presenting a biased or slanted view of history in which they try to win over others to their beliefs and opinions.

Types of Historical Information

Primary SourcesAuthentic, real, verifiablePart of an eventDocumentsArtifactsInterviewsDiariesPictures/FilmsParticipants (those who were

actually present at a

historical event)

Secondary SourcesCreated after historical

eventsReproduction itemsHistory booksMoviesNews sources – T.V.,

internet, newspapersReenactments (such as the

“mock” battles at Newtown

Battlefield)

Where Does Historical Information Come From?

• Historians must act like detectives – gathering and using any useful information that will help to explain past events and recreate history.

In many cases, historians turn to the Social Sciences for information.

The Social Sciences study human society and individual relationships within Society and include many different types of scientists.

• Historians practice the Social Scientific Method (stating a problem, gathering evidence, reaching a hypothesis/ conclusion and reevaluating constantly through the gathering of new evidence) to recreate and explain the past.

Social Sciences That History Depends On:

•ArchaeologyThe study of evidence (artifacts) left behind by people in order to explore their way of life (culture). Artifact – An object made by humans in the past (such as an arrowhead or clay pot).

Anthropology The study of the development of a people and their culture (way of life).

Anthropologists study the way that people live both in the past and present to understand a culture.

Economics

The study of how people manage resources to meet wants and needs.

For example: how do we use our shrinking energy resources (oil, natural gas, coal) to power our airplanes, trucks, cars, and trains to move goods around the world?

Geography

•Geography is the study of people, their environment, and their resources. • Geographers study how humans and the environment impact each other.

Psychology and Sociology

Psychology is the study of how people think and behave. 

Sociology is the study of how people behave in groups.

Political Science

Political Science is the study of ideas on government and how they are used and organized.

The Sciences

•Medical and Forensic Testing

•DNA Analysis

• Computer Analysis (reconstructions, recreations, simulations, and mapping).

• Chemical Analysis