discussion History

In the lectures, we’ve talked about four important and fundamental concepts for historians: the purpose of history, a body of evidence, historical method of investigation, and historiography (the creating of narratives). For this main post, put yourself in the position of a historian and explain the following:

· The historical event you want to write about

· The purpose of history. This should contain two parts

· The overall purpose of history as you see

· The reason that the event you have chosen to write about fulfills that purpose (particularly if it does so in a unique and interesting way)

· The body of evidence you will use (and why you have chosen it) You are not limited to one source of evidence

· The way you will organize and present your historical narrative.

 

These sound like fairly short, straightforward answers but there is a lot of nuance to these questions. For example:

When thinking about your historical narrative and how you will create it, do you want it to be accessible to everyone? Simple and straightforward? Epublished, free to all? Specialized and only for serious scholars? Written in two languages, to reflect the languages of the two different peoples who were part of the conflict? These are only some examples, but these are the kinds of things you should be thinking about and you are not limited to using one answer.

When thinking about the reason that the event you have chosen to write about fulfills that purpose (particularly if it does so in a unique and interesting way), you have similar opportunities. A historian who believes that the purpose of history is to be able to predict and control the future, for example, might create a history of the tweets and Facebook posts of ordinary people who refuse to wear masks. Their reason might be: “The purpose of history is for people to predict and control their futures. My history is designed to show us what causes ordinary people to engage in risky behavior during a pandemic, so future generations can preempt it.”

Again, these are all just examples. But it gives you an idea of what this post is looking for.