Unit 1: Making Sense of History

Content Standard 2.1: Students will be able to discover that people construct knowledge of the past
from multiple sources to make sense of historical patterns, periods of time and the relationship among
these elements.

Benchmark 11.2.1.1: Use research skills to collect and analyze information about a regional political
event that occurred in the past that had a major impact on the political structure and dynamic in the
region ( for example the dismantling of the United Soviet Union Republic, the rise and fall of Hitler,
Cuban rule under Fidel Castro, the invasion of Iraq by the USA and its allies, and the Balkan War).

Topic 1: Regional Political Events

Sub- topic 1: Introduction to Historical Events and Significance

Objectives:

- Students will be able to identify important key regional political events in the past.

- Students will discuss various sources to construct knowledge about historical events

Lesson Outline:

1. Introduction (10 minutes)

- Begin with a brief discussion on what history is and its importance.

- Pose questions to students:

- "How do we know what happened in the past?"

- "What sources do we rely on to understand historical events?"

- Write responses on the board.

2. Key Definitions (5 minutes)

- Define key terms:

- Historical Event: An occurrence that has significance and impact on future events or the course of
history.

- Source: Any document, artifact, or other item that provides information about historical events.

- Discuss types of sources (primary and secondary).

Presentations (15 minutes)

- Encourage other students to ask questions or provide additional insights after each presentation.

- Questions to guide discussion:

- "Why is it important to look at both primary and secondary sources?"

- "Can the perspective of a source influence our understanding of an event?"

- Highlight the potential biases and reliability of different sources.

6. Conclusion and Homework Assignment (5 minutes)

- Summarize key points:

- Importance of understanding significant historical events

- Using various sources to construct a comprehensive understanding of history.

Sub - topic 1: Introduction to History

- History is the study of the past and the people who came before us. It investigates the past in general,
particularly the human past: what happened, why it happened, when it happened, and how events
unfolded.

- History focuses on change and development in society over time and space. It is essential to
understand our past as the world and its people have changed significantly.

Historians and Their Role

- Specialized individuals who study the past are known as historians. They explore the human past
through various sources of evidence to make justified conclusions.

- In history, various factors and situations that enable evolution at particular times are examined.

Key Areas of Historical Investigation

History is primarily concerned with investigating:

- The way people lived

- How their way of life developed

- How they were thought

- How and why their way of life changed

- How these changes affected them

- How our lives today have been shaped by the people of the past

Importance of History

Some people view history as boring or unhelpful, but this perspective is limited. History is significant for
several reasons:

- It helps develop critical thinking skills by weighing evidence and organizing information.

- It allows the study of influential individuals (e.g., Nelson Mandela, Mahatma Gandhi, John F. Kennedy)
and their contributions to knowledge and society.

- Understanding history provides insight into how we live, think, and govern ourselves today. It helps us
adopt values and norms from the past for better decisions in the present and future.

- Knowledge of history enhances our understanding of films, TV programs, and literature set in the past.

- It guides our actions today based on lessons learned from historical events and figures.
- We gain appreciation for human creativity in various fields such as art, architecture, music, and
literature.

- History shapes societal identity and enables a society to have self-knowledge.

Studying History to Understand Our Past

- By examining history, we can trace our origins and the development stages of different peoples and
cultures. Knowledge from historians and archaeologists reveals human existence in various regions for
tens of thousands of years.

- Historical studies help explain and analyze present social and political issues, aiding in making informed
decisions. For instance, understanding the introduction of the Westminster system of governance in
PNG enriches our decision-making today.

Historical Events

- Historical events shape the societies we inhabit and influence behavior, culture, and governance.
Examples of significant historical events include:

- Dissolution of the Soviet Union (1991)

- Rise of Hitler (1933-1945)

- Cuban Rule under Fidel Castro (1959-2008)

- Invasion of Iraq by the USA (2003)

Sources of Historical Information

- Sources are means of producing information crucial for understanding history:

- Primary Source: Original documents or evidence from the time (e.g., letters, photographs,
government documents).

- Secondary Sources: Analysis, interpretations, or summaries of primary sources (e.g., history books,
documentaries).

Summary

- Definition: History is the study of the past and human experiences.

- Change and Development: Focuses on societal changes over time.

- Importance: Enhances critical thinking, helps understand present governance, and informs decisions
based on past lessons.

- Key Areas: Investigates ways of life, societal changes, and significant historical events.
- Sources: Distinguishes between primary (original documents) and secondary sources (analyses of
primary sources).