What is History?

Back to: History SS1

 

Welcome to class! 

In today’s class, we will be talking about history. Enjoy the class!

What is History?

History is the study of important past events. Traditionally, the word “history” is derived from the Greek word “historie”. This Greek word literarily means “to know” or “to learn by inquiry”.

Therefore, history can be seen as a kind of research or science, since science itself seeks to know or to order to have a knowledge of the past, to understand the present and plan for the future.

Types of history sources

• Primary source:

Primary sources are materials produced by the people or groups directly involved in the event or topic under discussion, either as participants or as witnesses. Examples are Oral tradition – verbal information by a witness or handed down from generation to another.

1. Artefacts – objects made by man in the early days.
2. Folklores – material and non- material expression of people of their culture.
3. Legend- stories of human actions with supernatural content etc.

• Secondary source:

Secondary sources are materials that are views, personal interpretation and views of people who did not witness or have first-hand information about events. For example, textbooks, journals, newspapers, biographies etc

It is important to note that both Primary and Secondary sources can either be WRITTEN OR UNWRITTEN.

 Therefore examples of Written Sources include

1. Newspapers
2. Diaries
3. Travellers’ account
4. Journals
5. Reports of commissions of enquiry
6. Manifesto parties
7. Government official records
8. Minutes of meetings
9. Private letters
10. Official reports of officers
11. Court records
12. Books
13. Anniversary brochures
14. Tributes
15. Magazines etc

While Unwritten sources include

1. Oral tradition etc.

Other sources of history

• Archaeology is the study of a people’s culture of years past through excavation and of material remains that are found.
• Linguistics is the scientific study of the origin, structure and changes of a language that occur in the languages over some time.
• Ethnography is the study of present-day social institutions as well as the crafts and artistic skills of people. An example is the collaboration of festivals, the process of making pottery, beads, weaving, construction etc.
• Numismatics is the study of coins. This study helps us to know where the coins were minted and found.
• Art history is the study of art forms such as engravings, paintings, carvings and sculpture on a stone surface, tombs, slabs or walls of caves, palaces and shrines.

Importance of History

1. The study of history like other disciplines helps some individuals to earn a living (career aspect). It serves as a source of employment for people who study the subject at a higher level.
2. The study of African history has helped in the discovery of the activities of man in far off times.
3. The study of African history allows the individual to relate his past with the present in a better way.
4. African history has addressed the notion and misconception that Africa has contributed insignificantly to history.
5. African history enables the student to develop a critical mind and appreciate the variety of human behaviour and motives and understand politics, economics and society.
6. The study of African history is beneficial since it helps to acquire knowledge about African traditions, culture, norms, and values and to take pride in them and present them.
7. African history enables the history student to acquire knowledge of their own country and the African continent.
8. African history has practical use in international relations and diplomacy.
9. Studying African history will enable the history student to acquire the skills and values that our past can give.
10. A proper examination of the past can tell us a great deal about how we came to be who we are.
11. One studies African history to be able to appreciate the use of other sources in the writing and reconstruction of African history apart from written sources.
12. It enables the student to develop an accurate sense of African historical chronology.

General evaluation

1. What is History?
2. Explain the Types of History sources
3. Mention Sources of history and give an example.
4. State the importance of studying history

Reading assignment

WASSCE E- NOTE ON HISTORY ( Internet)

Weekend assignment

1. State One advantage and one disadvantage of each of the sources.

 

In our next class, we will be talking about the Land and People of Nigeria.  We hope you enjoyed the class.

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