1. How and Why Do we Study History?

2. Why Study History? Class List 1. To help us understand the world today; to make better decisions; so that we don’t repeat the mistakes of the past 2. To help us understand other cultures and nations 3. To be better citizens 4. To inspire us! 5. To develop critical thinking skills

3. Quick 5 minute Quiz 1. What is a primary source? 2. What is a secondary source? 3. Is the Constitution primary or secondary? 4. Is your textbook primary or secondary? 5. What is bias? 6. What is point of view?

4. How do we study history? What is a primary source?  A document or object created during the time of study.  These sources were present during the time of study and therefore offer a special insight  First-hand account of an event  Examples:  Photographs  Diaries  The Constitution  Letters  Newspaper articles

5. How do we study History? What is a secondary source?  A source that analyzes and interprets primary sources  These sources are at least one step removed from the actual event.  Second-hand account of event  Examples:  Your textbook!  Encyclopedias  Biographies

6. How do we Study History? What is bias?  An unbalanced opinion  Example: FOX news vs. CNN news  Opinion articles in newspapers, especially on controversial topics What is point of view?  An opinion  “My point of view on….”