Subject: Readings in Philippine History

Authors: Mr. Danrev T. dela Cruz

Editor: Mr. Alexis Redel S. Pangilinan
Reviewer: Mr. Victor T. Reyes

WEEK 1
LESSON 1: HISTORY: ITS DEFINITION AND SIGNIFICANCE
Description of the Lesson:

History is very powerful and meaningful aspect in life. It can helps us to understand
the past which can lead us for the betterment of our future life. In this course,
Readings in Philippine history, you will enjoy and explore the rich historical views
of our beloved country.
Are you ready to learn? I know you are excited! Let’s Begin

Objectives
At the end of the lesson, you are expected to:

1. explain the meaning of history;

2. discuss the importance and significance of history; and
3. illustrate history as part of our everyday lives.

Day 1: Pre-assessment (What I know?)

Direction: Illustrate the first thing that comes into your mind when you hear
the word “history”.

HISTORY

Lesson Content (What’s New)

Direction: Kindly read the text critically and carefully. You need to take
note of the words that you find important in order to have a deeper
understanding.

DEFINING HISTORY

“What is history? An echo of the past in the future; a reflex from the future
on the past”. – Victor Hugo

Consider the first thing that comes to mind when you hear the phrase word history.

Dates, heroes, historical sites, and artifacts, in short memorization, are some ideas
that you might have. With the number of learners, history is a boring subject or irrelevant
to their chosen field or career or even to their lives. But for some, history is an interesting

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subject that helps individuals to understand the environment around us. Thus, one of the
reasons could be a lack of understanding of what history truly means and its importance
in one's life and the destiny of a nation.

Merriam-Webster (2018) defines history as "a chronological record of significant

events (such as those affecting a nation or institution), often including an explanation of
their causes." This definition only applies to events that are significant to an organization
and are sequentially organized to tell a coherent story of the past.

Additionally, according to Herodotus, Father of History, history is derived from

the Greek word “historia”/”Istorið” which means “learning by inquiry.” No writer before
Herodotus had conducted such a systematic, in-depth study of the past or attempted to
explain the cause and effect of its events. After his time, Historical analysis has become
an essential component of intellectual and political life.

Moreover, history is the study of the man’s past and his/her decisions. It gives
examples of mistakes he/she has made and successes that he/she achieved. It is the study
of man’s record throughout time, conducted by examining many more circumstances than
could be re-created within a single lifetime.

Furthermore, according to Aristotle, it is a systematic accounting of a set of

natural phenomena whether or not chronological factoring was a factor in the account.

In addition to this, history is study of the practices, beliefs, desires, institutions

therefore it is a culture of human beings.

To sum it up, history is not a boring subject and it does not just know and
memorizing facts and information but we go beyond that.

WHY STUDY HISTORY?

● An examination of the past which can tell us a great deal about how we came to be
and who we are. It means looking at the roots of modern institutions, different ideas,
various values, and big problems.
● Looking at the past teaches us to see the world through different eyes/perspectives-
appreciating the diversity of human perceptions, beliefs, and cultures. Having varied
perspectives will enable us to analyze critically the present contexts of society and
beings.
● Understanding how humans interact is an important aspect of understanding life as a
whole.
● Cultural Awareness

● Interpreting Information

● To form citizens of localities, countries, and the world.

● To pass on the consensus view historians regarding what happened in our world

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In accordance to the abovementioned about why do people needs to study the
importance of history. Here are some additional information’s about why people
need to understand and discuss the importance of history.
According to Peter N. Stearns 1998 published an article with the American
Historical Association that enumerated the reasons why we should study history.
Here are some of his justifications for why the subject is worth our attention:

1. History helps us understand people and societies. In the first place, history offers a
storehouse of information about how people and societies behave. Understanding the
operations of people and societies is difficult, though a number of disciplines make an
attempt. Exclusive reliance on current data would needlessly handicap our efforts. How
can we evaluate war if the nation is at peace - unless we use historical materials? How
can we understand genius, the influence of technological innovation, or the role that
beliefs play in shaping family life if we do not use what we know about experiences in
the past? Some social scientists attempt to formulate laws or theories about human
behavior. Even these resources, however, rely on historical data, except in rare, often
artificial cases where experiments can be designed to determine how people behave.
Major aspects of a society's operation, such as mass elections and missionary activities,
cannot be tested precisely. As a result, history must serve as our laboratory, however
imperfectly, and data from the past must serve as our most important evidence in the
unavoidable quest to understand why our complex species behaves as it does in societal
settings. This is fundamentally why we cannot avoid history: it provides the only
extensive evidential base for contemplation and analysis of how societies function and
people require some understanding of how societies function simply to live their own
lives.

2. History helps us understand change and how the society we live in came to be.
The second reason history is unavoidable as a serious study is closely related to the first.
The past influences the present, and thus the future. When we try to figure out why
something happened, we must look for factors that existed previously. Sometimes recent
history is sufficient to explain a major development, but more often than not, we must
look further back to identify the causes of change. Only by studying history can we
understand how things change; only by studying history can we begin to understand the
factors that cause change; and only by studying history can we understand what elements
of an institution or a society persist despite change.

3. History contributes to moral understanding. History also provides a platform for

moral reflection. Studying the stories of individuals and situations from the past allows a
student of history to put his or her own moral sense to the test, to hone it against some of
the real complexities that people have faced in difficult situations. People who have
overcome adversity in real-life, historical circumstances can serve as inspiration. One
phrase that comes to mind is "history taught by example." describes the use of a study of
the past - a study not only of Certifiable heroes, the great men and women of history who
successfully worked through moral quandaries, but also of more ordinary people who
provide lessons in courage, diligence, or constructive protest.

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4. History provides identity. History also contributes to identity, which is
unquestionably one of the reasons that all modern nations encourage its study in some
form. Historical data include evidence about how families, groups, institutions, and entire
countries were formed and evolved while remaining cohesive. Studying the history of
one's own family is the most obvious use of history for many [Filipinos], as it provides
facts about genealogy and (on a slightly more complex level) a foundation for
understanding how the family has interacted with larger historical change. The identity of
the family is established and confirmed. Histories that tell the national story, emphasizing
distinctive features of the national experience, are meant to drive home an understanding
of national values and a commitment to national loyalty.

5. Studying History is Essential for Good Citizenship. Knowledge of history is

required for good citizenship. This is the most common reason for including history in
school curricula. Sometimes advocates of citizenship history hope to simply promote
national identity and loyalty through a history flavored with citizenship. Vivid tales and
lessons in personal success and morality but the significance of history for citizenship
extend beyond this narrow goal, and at times even challenge it.

Moreover, Stern has identified a number of skills that a student may develop in
studying history. These include the following:

1. The ability to assess the evidence. The study of history provides experience in
dealing with and evaluating various types of evidence—the types of evidence historians
use to create the most accurate picture of the past possible. Learning how to combine
various types of evidence - public statements, private records, numerical data, and visual
materials - improves one's ability to construct coherent arguments based on a variety of
data. This ability can be applied to information encountered in everyday life as well.

2. The ability to assess conflicting interpretations. Learning history entails

developing some ability to sort through various, often contradictory interpretations.
Understanding how societies work, which is the central goal of historical study, is
inherently imprecise, as is understanding what is going on today. Learning to identify and
evaluate competing interpretations is an important citizenship skill that history, as an
often-contested laboratory of human experience, teaches. This is one area where the full
benefits of historical study occasionally clash with narrower uses of the past to construct
identity. Examining past situations provides a constructively critical sense that can be
applied to partisan claims about the splendors of national or group identity. History study
does not undermine loyalty or commitment in any way, but it does teach the importance
of evaluating arguments and provides opportunities to engage in debate and gain
perspective.

3. Experience in assessing past examples of change. Analysis of change entails

developing some capacity for determining the magnitude and significance of change
because some changes are more fundamental than others. Comparing specific changes to
relevant examples from the past assists history students in developing this capacity.
Studying history also provides the ability to identify the continuities that always
accompany even the most dramatic changes, as well as the ability to determine probable
causes of change. Learning history can help one determine whether a change is caused by

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a single major factor, such as a technological innovation or a deliberate new policy, or
whether, as is more commonly the case, several factors combine to produce the actual
change that occurs.

Two Theories of Investigating in History

● Factual History – presents readers the plain and basic information vis-à-vis the
events that took place (what), the time and date with which the events happened
(when), the place with which the events took place, and the people that were
involved (who).

● Speculative History- it is goes beyond facts because it is concerned about the

reasons for which events happened (why), and the way they happened (how).

Clearly, the reasons and skills that one can gain from studying history are beneficial
not only to students in learners but to everyone who wants to be equipped with the
right knowledge and reasons for every action and decision in order to become good
and responsible citizens.
Day 2: Review
Direction: Reread the lesson on history. Is the topic very clear to you? If you have
questions or clarifications about the lesson. You may reach me through text, chat or call.

Remember that history is science and as narrative account of the past, it is an art or piece
of literature. It is study of the practices, beliefs, desires, institutions therefore it is a
culture of human beings. This very important because it teaches us to see the world
through different eyes/perspectives-appreciating the diversity of human perceptions,
beliefs, and cultures. There are two types of sources the primary sources and secondary
sources.
Practice (What is it)
Direction: Write at least 10 words that the first thing that comes into
your mind when you hear the word “history”. Do it on a separate
sheet.

HISTORY

Application (What Can I do)

Direction: Kindly answer the given question stated below. Write your
answer on your provided answer sheet.

1. How do you give meaning to a so-called “history”? Explain.

________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________

Day 3: Valuing/Integration (What’s More)

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How are you today? I know you are blessed and I know by now, you understand the
lesson well. Then, let us proceed to this activity.

Direction: Draw or illustrate your deeper understanding about the history. Make an
explanation at least 4-5 sentences. Once you are done, take a picture of it and post it in
your timeline. Also tag you instructor. (USE THE ANSWER SHEET)
For example, draw a FLAG!

You will be graded based on the given criteria. Consider the following aspects and its
equivalent point in doing your task.
Excellent (5) Good (3) Satisfactory (2) Needs
Improvements (1)
Following All directions You followed You followed None of the
Direction were followed. most directions. some directions directions were
followed.
Use of You used your You used your You used some You did not use
Creativity own ideas and own ideas most imagination. your own ideas or
imagination. of the time. imagination.
Effort put Yu took you You worked hard You put a small You rushed
into time and for most of the effort into the through and did
Activity worked hard on time. artworks. not work hard.
the activity.

Post-Assessment (What I have learned)

Direction: Kindly answer the given question stated below. Write your answer
on your provided answer sheet.
1. Write a short essay on the significance of studying history in relation to your
course.
________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________

Congratulations! You finished the module well. What was your favorite activity? Write
down your comments and suggestions if there is any for the improvement of this module.
Thank you!

Reference:
Asuncion, Nestor M & Cruz, Geoffrey Rhoel C. (2019). Readings in Philippine History.
Quezon City, Philippines. C&E Publishing, Inc.
Aban, B. (No Year). Law of Basic Taxation in the Philippines. National Bookstore.
Apsay, Leah C., et al., Readings in Philippine History, Mutya Publishing House, Inc.
Malabon City, Philippines, 2018
Agoncillo, Teodoro (1990) [1960], "History of the Filipino People (8th ed.)". Garotech
Publishing Inc., Quezon City.
Corpus, Lolita & Lacanaria, Constancia M. Philippine History, TCS Publishing House.
Culianin, Plaridel, Bulacan. 2010
Dolina, Virgilio V. et al., Readings in Philippine History. JTCA Publishing. Paranaque
City. 2019
REMINDERS:
Things to remember as you accomplish this module:
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1. Once you are done, Kindly pass ONLY the ANSWER SHEET.
2. Leave a message to your instructor through chat or email about your learning’s. Do
not hesitate to ask him if you have clarifications.
________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________

Subject: Readings in Philippine History

Student’s Name:______________________________________
Year/Course/Section: __________________________________
Instructor’s Name:____________________________________

Answer Sheet
WEEK 1
Lesson 1: HISTORY: DEFINITION AND SIGNIFICANCE
Day 1: Pre-assessment (What I know) (10 points)

HISTORY

Day 2: Practice (What is it) (20 points)

Directions: Write at least 10 words that the first thing that comes into your mind when
you hear the word “history”.

HISTORY

Application (What Can I do) (20 points)

Direction: Kindly answer the given question stated below. Write your answer on your
provided answer sheet.

1. How do you give meaning to a so-called “history”? Explain.

________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________

Readings in Philippine History | Week 1 Page 7 | 10

________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________
Day 3: Valuing/Integration (What’s More) (50 Points)
Direction: Draw or illustrate your deeper understanding about the history. Make an
explanation at least 4-5 sentences. Once you are done, take a picture of it and post it in
your timeline. Also tag you instructor. (USE THE ANSWER SHEET)

Readings in Philippine History | Week 1 Page 8 | 10

________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________
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RUBRICS:
Excellent (5) Good (3) Satisfactory (2) Needs
Improvements (1)
Following All directions You followed You followed None of the
Direction were followed. most directions. some directions directions were
followed.
Use of You used your You used your You used some You did not use
Creativity own ideas and own ideas most imagination. your own ideas or
imagination. of the time. imagination.
Effort put Yu took you You worked hard You put a small You rushed
into time and for most of the effort into the through and did
Activity worked hard on time. artworks. not work hard.
the activity.

Post-Assessment (What I have learned)30 points

1. Write a short essay on the significance of studying history in relation to your
course.

________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________
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________________________________________________________________________
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“A generation which ignores history has no past and no future.”

Robert Heinlein, American author (1907-1988)

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