Transcript What is history?

CANADIAN HISTORY
Mr. Yard
WHAT IS HISTORY?
- History tries to account for and
understand the past.
- It can be a broad view (over
centuries) or a narrow view (over
one day or hour)
WHY STUDY HISTORY?
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Consequences of past events are still
evident today and will continue to
influence events in the future.
Studying history helps us to understand
the past and present, as well as to plan for
the future.
Teaches/requires you to be a critical
thinker.
ESSENTIAL QUESTIONS
HOW HAS CANADA’S HISTORY SHAPED THE CANADA OF TODAY?
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May lead to more questions
Are open-ended; do not have one “correct”
response
Cannot be answered with a “yes” or “no” or one
sentence
WRONG: When did Canada enter World War One?
RIGHT: To what extent did Canada respond
effectively to World War One?
HISTORICAL THINKING CONCEPTS
• 1. Establishing historical significance
• 2. Using primary-source evidence
• 3. Identifying continuity and change
• 4. Analyzing cause and consequence
• 5. Taking a historical perspective
• 6. Considering the ethical dimensions of
history
1.Establishing Historical Significance
• Does the event have serious, long-lasting
consequences for many people?
• Does the event reveal or shed light on longlasting or emerging issues?
• Historically Significant?
World War 2
Life of Louis Riel
Your last Math test
2.Using Primary-Source Evidence
• Includes oral testimony, letters, maps,
photographs, tv broadcasts, as well as
artifacts such as buildings, clothing, or
tools.
3.Identifying Continuity and Change
• Continuity – what remains the same? – and
change – what is different? –
• Thinking about history as specific periods (eg.
The Roaring Twenties or Swinging Sixties) can
help your understanding. (Then and Now)
4.Analyzing Cause and Consequence
• Causes are often numerous and layered
• Human beings create or cause change through actions or
decisions
• Actions may result in unintended consequences
• Example 1: Sidney Crosby’s golden goal in Vancouver
Olympics.
• Example 2: European exploration of North America in
1500’s
5.Taking a Historical Perspective
• Taking a historical perspective means putting yourself in
the shoes of someone in the past – but leaving behind
some of the values and beliefs that shape your thinking
today
• It does not mean you must agree with the actions or
attitudes but it does mean trying to understand them
• Eg) One cultural group:
• 1) used baby diapers made out of moss
• 2) played soccer at three oclock in the morning
• 3) used fish to make runners for a sled
6.Considering the Ethical Dimensions
• Historians try to guard against imposing today’s ethical
standards on the past
• The need to make an ethical judgement can conflict with
this
• One solution is to ask questions that have an ethical
dimension (eg. Was the policy of assimilating First
Nations people motivated by good intentions?)
• Example: Anti-Terrorism Act and Maher Arar
• When should the rights of society outweigh the rights of
individuals?
Respond in writing (minimum ½ page)
• Why is it important to study the
history of Canada? List some
topics in Canadian history you
would like to learn more about and
why.
• DUE: Wednesday in class