MEANING AND ORIGING OF HISTORY Lesson Note
This SS3 History lesson note covers MEANING AND ORIGING OF HISTORY for First Term, Week 1.
Learning Objectives
- At the end of the lesson, students should be able to:
- Able to explain the meaning of history
- Able to explain the origin of history
- Able to state objectivity in history
- Able state the reasons why we study history
Lesson Note
i) Able to explain the meaning of history
A. MEANING OF HISTORY
History is the systematic study of past events, people, societies and developments, especially those that have influenced the present.
The word history refers to the investigation and recording of what happened in the past. Historians use evidence such as written records, oral traditions, artefacts, photographs, buildings and other sources to reconstruct past events.
History in a simple term, is the study of the past and how past events have shaped the present.
B. ORIGIN OF HISTORY
The word history is derived from the ancient Greek word “Historia,” which means inquiry, investigation or knowledge gained through investigation.
The Greek historian Herodotus (c. 484–425 BC) is often called the “Father of History.” He investigated and recorded events concerning the Greek-Persian conflicts and the peoples and places he encountered.
Before written history developed, people preserved their past through:
*Oral traditions
*Folktales and legends
*Songs and poems
*Genealogies
*Customs and traditions
*Archaeological remains
In Africa, including Nigeria, oral tradition played an important role in preserving the history of communities before the widespread use of written records.
C. OBJECTIVITY IN HISTORY
Objectivity in history means presenting and interpreting historical events fairly, accurately and without personal bias or prejudice.
A historian should try to distinguish between facts and personal opinions. Since historians may have different interpretations of the same event, they should examine evidence carefully before reaching conclusions. Ways of promoting objectivity in history include:
i) Use reliable sources of information.
ii) Compare information from different sources.
iii) Avoid personal prejudice and bias.
iv) Separate facts from opinions.
v) Examine evidence critically.
vi) Acknowledge different interpretations where necessary.
vii) Avoid deliberately changing facts to favour a person, group or nation.
D. IMPORTANCE OF OBJECTIVITY
i) It makes historical accounts more reliable.
ii) It helps historians arrive at balanced conclusions.
iii) It reduces distortion of historical facts.
iv) It promotes fairness in the study of the past.
v) It helps students understand events from different perspectives.
E. WHY WE STUDY HISTORY
History is studied for many reasons, which includes:
i) To understand the past: It helps us know what happened before our time.
ii) To understand the present: Many present-day situations have their roots in past events.
iii) To plan for the future: Knowledge of past successes and failures can guide future decisions.
iv) To preserve culture and traditions: History helps preserve the customs, beliefs and achievements of societies.
v) To develop national consciousness: It helps citizens understand the struggles, achievements and development of their country.
vi) To learn from past mistakes: History shows the consequences of decisions and actions made in the past.
vii) To appreciate our heroes and leaders: It enables us to learn about people who contributed to the development of society.
viii) To promote unity: Understanding the histories of different groups can encourage mutual respect and peaceful coexistence.
ix) To develop critical thinking: The study of history requires learners to examine evidence, compare sources and form reasonable conclusions.
x) To understand social and political development: History explains how governments, institutions and societies have changed over time.
F. SUMMARY
History is the systematic study of the human past. The word comes from the Greek “Historia,” meaning inquiry or investigation. Herodotus is regarded as the Father of History. Objectivity requires historians to examine evidence fairly and avoid bias. We study history to understand the past and present, preserve culture, learn from past experiences and make better decisions for the future.
Evaluation
1. History can best be defined as the study of ______.
A. future events
B. past events of human beings
C. weather conditions
D. mathematical problems
2. The word History is derived from the Greek word ______.
A. Historia
B. Historian
C. Historiae
D. Histo
3. The Greek word Historia means ______.
A. war
B. investigation or inquiry
C. government
D. writing
4. The person who studies and writes about past events is called a ______.
A. geographer
B. historian
C. politician
D. archaeologist
5. Objectivity in history means ______.
A. presenting facts without personal bias
B. changing historical facts
C. supporting only one side
D. ignoring evidence
6. A historian can promote objectivity by ______.
A. relying on rumours
B. using reliable evidence and sources
C. hiding important facts
D. making assumptions
7. One important reason for studying history is to ______.
A. understand the past
B. forget the past
C. predict every future event
D. avoid education
8. History helps us understand the ______ of a society.
A. development
B. weather
C. rainfall
D. population only
9. Which of the following is a benefit of studying history?
A. It encourages us to repeat past mistakes
B. It helps us learn from past experiences
C. It prevents national development
D. It discourages unity
10. The origin of history as a systematic study is closely associated with ______.
A. Herodotus
B. Isaac Newton
C. Albert Einstein
D. Aristotle
Theory Questions
1a) Define history.
b) Explain FOUR reasons why history is studied.
c) How can the study of history promote national unity?
2a) What is objectivity in history?
b) State FOUR ways of promoting objectivity in historical writing.
c) Mention FIVE sources through which people preserved history before written records.