Understanding Our Past How we “create” history

What is History? What differentiates prehistory from history? Prehistory: A time prior to 5,000 years ago when people did not make written records. History: A branch of knowledge that records past events. Particularly written records of mankind. What differentiates prehistory from history? History Prehistory 4,000,000 B.C. 5,000 B.C.

Historians Historians- people that study & write about the historical past. *Note* Think “detective!”

Historians cont’d Determine reliable evidence Use evidence to construct the story Artifacts- remains such as tools, jewelry, and other human-made objects. (Your projects!) Written evidence Tax records, letters, hieroglyphics etc. Explain what the evidence means. ex.: There are several sculptures excavated in old Chinese ruins The fact that the Chinese had several sculptures shows the advanced craftsmanship that only a sophisticated culture could make.

Historians: Your Turn! If our civilization ended today, what types of cultural artifacts would be found at Rochester High School? What conclusions would future historians make about our culture from these artifacts?

Anthropology Anthropologist: people that study the origins & development of people. Culture: the way of life of a society which includes its beliefs, values, & practices. Forms of Expression Art / Music CULTURE Relationships Family / social life Forms of Communication Language / Symbols Rituals Customs / Traditions / Beliefs

Archeology Archeology: Studying past people & cultures through their material remains. These people are the ones who collect the evidence for the historians and anthropologists.

So what!!! You’re thinking, “How will this ever help me?” Numerous Careers that these “Historian” skills can help you toward! Lawyers: using evidence to make an argument! If you can learn how people act, you can make laws to help people work better together! Anthropologist: If you can learn how people act, you can make laws to help people work better together! Archeologist- You could be the next Indiana Jones! History Teacher- You could grow up to be just like me! (Your goal in life, right?)

Note Taking Assessment Did I outline and use concise phrases rather an complete sentences? Did I use a standard format? Are my notes clear, accessible, organized? Did I capture main points, subpoints, and a few supporting examples? Did I streamline, using abbreviations and shortcuts?

How should you prepare for the quiz? Friday Quiz There will be a brief quiz on Friday over some of today’s basics. Below are the key terms you should know: Prehistory History Historian Artifact Evidence Anthropologist Archeologist Culture How should you prepare for the quiz? Practice

Exit Assignment Directions: Number your paper 1 through 4, then answer the following questions. 1. Prehistory is… 2. History is… 3. Anthropology is… 4. Archaeology is…