HISTORY 262 Module 1

HIS262 Module 1 introduces key concepts for studying history, focusing on how historical narratives are constructed and represented in various media forms. It emphasizes the difference between history and the past, highlighting that history is a story told about past events, shaped by the perspective of the storyteller. The module explores how movies, television, museums, and other mediums portray history, sometimes blending facts with fiction, and examines the importance of identifying bias in these representations. It explains the significance of primary sources like artifacts, which offer firsthand accounts of historical events, and secondary sources like books and documentaries, which interpret and analyze the past. Understanding the historical context in which these sources were created is essential for accurately interpreting their significance. The module also underscores the importance of studying history to avoid repeating past mistakes and to understand contemporary issues. It introduces the role of curators in museums, who select artifacts to build narratives, and the need to critically evaluate how media portrays history, noting that different perspectives can lead to varying interpretations of the same event. Critical thinking and analysis are central to understanding how history connects the past and present.

Created on 22nd September 2024