1. History is the lie commonly agreed upon.
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Voltaire

2. The principles, theory, and history of historical writing
History is the study of the human past. Based on careful analysis of surviving texts (primary and secondary documents) and artifacts (objects made by humans), the historian attempts to reconstruct past events and processes which have created the current world.
Historiography
The principles, theory, and history of historical writing
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3. Historians, through careful analysis, attempt to reconstruct the past.
But every historian views the world through a cultural lens.
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4. Therefore, an element of historical writing is interpretative.
Questions to consider:
Whose perspective is voiced?
Whose perspective is ignored?
What sources are chosen?
What elements are emphasized (political, social, economic)?
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5. Consider the historical record on Columbus
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6. Is the encounter told from an indigenous perspective or
Did Columbus discover the Americas or did he accidentally land in the Americas?
from a
European
perspective?
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7. “The present informs the past
“The present informs the past. It defines the historical questions we ask.”
Questions:
Explain the quotation.
If the above statement is true, how would this affect the curriculum of World History AP?
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8. The Underlying Principles of World History History is interconnected
Current events have historical roots
To understand the present, the past must be examined
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9. Select two historical events or topics previously studied that impact the world today and for each, complete the information that follows:
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10. The first historical event/topic: _____________________________
Description of the event/topic: _____________________________________________ _____________________________________________ _____________________________________________
Impact on the world today: _____________________________________________ _____________________________________________ _____________________________________________
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11. The second historical event/topic: _____________________________
Description of the event/topic: _____________________________________________ _____________________________________________ _____________________________________________
Impact on the world today: _____________________________________________ _____________________________________________ _____________________________________________
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12. Why is it important to identify the historian’s point of view?
Reflections:
What is “point of view” and why is it important to consider point of view when analyzing historical documents?
Why is it important to identify the historian’s point of view?
Why are World Historians interested in connections?
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13. What are some of the academic interests of World Historians?
Was Voltaire correct? Explain your answer.
Why is the study of history important?
How does World History differ from Medieval History?
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14. “Until lions have their historians, tales of the hunt shall always glorify the hunters.” ~African Proverb
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15. ~ CICERO, Pro Publio Sestio
“History is the witness that testifies to the passing of time; it illumines reality, vitalizes memory, provides guidance in daily life and brings us tidings of antiquity.”
~ CICERO, Pro Publio Sestio
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20. Let the journey begin!
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