WORLD HISTORY INTRODUCTION Definition? Quotes? What is history? Why Study History? What do we learn from History? What are the themes of History?

DEFINITION OF HISTORY “A chronological record of significant events often including an explanation of their causes.”

Quotes on History “If you want to understand today, you have to search yesterday.” “If you want to understand today, you have to search yesterday.” “History teaches us the mistakes we are going to make.” ~Unknown “History teaches us the mistakes we are going to make.” ~Unknown “Every true history must force us to remember that the past was once as real as the present and as uncertain as the future.” “Every true history must force us to remember that the past was once as real as the present and as uncertain as the future.”

Quotes on History “History is the propaganda of the victors.” ~Ernst Toller “History is the propaganda of the victors.” ~Ernst Toller ”Those who cannot learn from history are doomed to repeat it.” -George Santayana ”Those who cannot learn from history are doomed to repeat it.” -George Santayana “Each time history repeats itself, the price goes up.” “Each time history repeats itself, the price goes up.”

What is History? HISTORY IS… A study of the past, an explanation of the present, a prediction of the future, A study of the past, an explanation of the present, a prediction of the future, Written Record of the human race, Written Record of the human race, Oral storytelling & traditions, Oral storytelling & traditions, Photography, Motion pictures, and Sound recordings, Photography, Motion pictures, and Sound recordings, Chronological record of significant events, Chronological record of significant events, An (philosophical) explanation of their causes, An (philosophical) explanation of their causes, A time capsule & collective memory of a people. A time capsule & collective memory of a people.

Why Study History?

BECAUSE, the spread of democracy takes informed citizens… BECAUSE, the spread of democracy takes informed citizens… Because we can learn from the mistakes of the past… Because we can learn from the mistakes of the past… Because we interact with people around the world… Because we interact with people around the world… Because the past has an impact on us today… Because the past has an impact on us today… Because problem-solving of the past can provide insight for today… Because problem-solving of the past can provide insight for today…

What do we learn from History? Variety of Cultures- different religions, languages, customs, beliefs, taboos, food, etc… Variety of Cultures- different religions, languages, customs, beliefs, taboos, food, etc… World Religions- the meaning of life, purpose, afterlife, morals, values, explanations, peace of mind… World Religions- the meaning of life, purpose, afterlife, morals, values, explanations, peace of mind… Discovery & Progress- new inventions, explorations, science, technology, medicines, unknown mysteries… Discovery & Progress- new inventions, explorations, science, technology, medicines, unknown mysteries… Stories of Man- heroes, villains, themes, plots, conflict, characters… Stories of Man- heroes, villains, themes, plots, conflict, characters… Types of Government- republic, democracy, dictator, monarchy, aristocracy, fascism, etc… Types of Government- republic, democracy, dictator, monarchy, aristocracy, fascism, etc… Civic Values- laws, rules, legal system, judges, trials, jury, law abiding citizens vs. convicts… Civic Values- laws, rules, legal system, judges, trials, jury, law abiding citizens vs. convicts… Lessons to Repeat- mankind never learns…we think our situation is unique and different…experience the only way to learn… Lessons to Repeat- mankind never learns…we think our situation is unique and different…experience the only way to learn…

Variety of Cultures- Variety of Cultures- –different religions, languages, customs, beliefs, taboos, food, etc… “Never judge someone until you walk a mile in their moccasins.”

World Religions- World Religions- –the meaning of life, purpose, afterlife, morals, values, explanations, peace of mind… “The meaning of life is a life of meaning.”

Discovery & Progress- Discovery & Progress- –new inventions, explorations, science, technology, medicines, unknown mysteries… “We are standing on the shoulders of giants.”

Stories of Man- Stories of Man- –heroes, villains, themes, plots, conflict, characters…

Types of Government- Types of Government- –republic, democracy, dictator, monarchy, aristocracy, fascism, etc… Which one is the best?

Civic Values- Civic Values- –laws, rules, legal system, judges, trials, jury, law abiding citizens vs. convicts… Why are jails and courts necessary?

Lessons to Repeat- Lessons to Repeat- –mankind never learns…we think our situation is unique and different…experience the only way to learn… Is experience the best teacher?

The Themes of History Diversity Diversity Economics Economics Impact of the Individual Impact of the Individual Global Interaction Global Interaction Art, Music & Literature Art, Music & Literature Religions Religions Humanities & Culture Humanities & Culture Geography Geography Politics & Military Politics & Military Science & Technology Science & Technology Education Education

Advanced Themes of History The global impact of religions/ideologies The global impact of religions/ideologies Migration and borders/diasporas Migration and borders/diasporas War and militarism/terrorism War and militarism/terrorism Imperialism/colonialism/global elites Imperialism/colonialism/global elites Trade and commerce/globalization Trade and commerce/globalization Disease/non-native species Disease/non-native species “Clash of civilizations” vs. connections “Clash of civilizations” vs. connections Industrialism/technology/communications Industrialism/technology/communications Languages/nationalism Languages/nationalism Geography and climate/environment Geography and climate/environment Spread of cultures/popular culture Spread of cultures/popular culture