A LESSON IN THE IMPORTANCE OF HISTORY WHY STUDY HISTORY?

WARM-UP QUESTION (IN PAGE 12) Draw a line in the middle of page 12. On the top part of the page answer each question in COMPLETE SENTENCES using the sentence starters: 1.What is history? Sentence Starter: History is… 2.Why is history a required subject in school? Sentence Starter: History is a required subject in school because… 13 12

THE IMPORTANCE OF STUDYING HISTORY

WHY CORNELL NOTES?

NOW, LET’S SET UP OUR PAPERS IN Page 13: Set-up your page like this Record the Essential Question: What is the importance of studying history? 13 Why Study History? Essential Question: What is the importance of studying history? Notes go here! QUESTIONSQUESTIONS Summary

“THE SUPREME PURPOSE OF HISTORY IS A BETTER WORLD.” -HERBERT HOOVER

HISTORY & HISTORIANS History: a record of important events in the order they happened, often including an explanation of their causes Historian: A writer, student, or scholar of history. One who writes or compiles a chronological record of events Chronological refers to the order of events

WHAT IS HISTORY? “History is the lie commonly agreed upon” – Voltaire “If you would understand anything, observe its beginning and its development.” Aristotle “I have but one lamp by which my feet are guided, and that is the lamp of experience. I know no way of judging the future but by the past.” Edward Gibbon

#1: HISTORY ILLUMINATES THE PRESENT History helps us understand and survive the world we live in. Without understanding the history of issues facing us today, we will not be able to solve them.

#1- EXAMPLES In order to address inequalities in the United States, we must look to our history to find out how some people ended up with so much and others with so little. In order to try and solve the conflict between Israel and Palestine today, we must first understand why they are fighting. The answer can only be found in history.

#2: SKILLS Studying history gives us an opportunity to develop extremely important skills that will help us in all stages of our lives, no matter who we are or what we do. You don’t have to be a historian to benefit from history class!

#2- EXAMPLES Evaluating the reliability and credibility of different sources, including TV, films, textbooks, etc. Thinking for yourself; formulating and depending independent thoughts. Reading, writing, research, public speaking and listening. Teamwork Organization and Responsibility Aghhhhh!

#3: INSPIRATION THROUGH HISTORY Through history we find INSPIRATION in the great individuals, groups, and events of the past. Learning about this can inspire us to lead greater lives in the present.

#3- EXAMPLES Martin Luther King Jr. and the Civil Rights movement Gandhi, non-violent protest and independence for India Harriett Tubman and the Underground Railroad

#4: AVOIDING MISTAKES OF THE PAST “History, despite its wrenching pain, cannot be unlived, but if faced with courage, need not be lived again.” Maya Angelou Through history we learn to avoid repeating the terrible mistakes of the past.

#4 EXAMPLES Examples: Slavery The Holocaust Child Labor Oppressive Government

#5: DECISION MAKING By examining complex questions and issues from the past, we can learn to make good decisions in the present. ◦ History is not about memorizing dates and names- it’s about learning how to THINK! Examples: The Cuban Missile Crisis, The Atomic Bomb, The Declaration of Independence in 1776

#6: A COMMON CULTURE History helps to provide us with a common culture, or common identity that unites us.

#6: A COMMON CULTURE “History is especially important for Americans. In many nations- Japan or Sweden, for instance- most citizens share a common background. They have a similar look. They may worship in the same church. That isn’t true of us. Some of us were once Chinese, or Italian, or Turkish, or Ethiopian. Americans don’t all look alike. Sometimes we don’t think alike. But as Americans we do share something. It is our history. We Americans share a common heritage. If you are an American, then the Indians, the Vikings, the Pilgrims, and the slaves are all your ancestors. You will want to know their stories.” Joy Hakim, historian.

#7: CURRENT EVENTS Through the study of current events, history gives us the opportunity to evaluate what’s happening in our world RIGHT NOW and to make an immediate impact.

JOBS OF THE HISTORIAN Historians have at least four different jobs Each of these jobs is important to understand the past so we are able to understand ourselves, our society and our world

THE DETECTIVE Investigates the past Determines what happened Separates truth from falsehoods or misinterpretations Separates out bias in historical writing to find the truth (or as close as possible)

THE STORYTELLER Tells the story of history to others Imparts lessons, morals, and other learning of history Entertains and fascinates with the epic story of our history

THE JUDGE Judges history and makes moral decisions. Example: was someone evil or just misunderstood? Ever heard the saying, “We will see how history judges me?” Sorts what should be emulated and what should be discarded

THE PHILOSOPHER Is a reflector and may also be speculating on what was right or wrong Ponders important questions and attempts to pull out meaning from history Not only speculates on the lessons of the past but also may attempt to predict the future

FIRST REPETITION Go through your notes and 1.Circle key words 2.Highlight main ideas 3.Put a (*) next to information you think I’ll ask you on a test 4.Put a (?) next to anything you don’t understand

SECOND REPETITION Go back to your notes on the importance of history (IN page 13) Read through your notes in the right column Create questions about your notes in the left column

THIRD REPETITION Go back to your notes on the importance of history Read through your Essential Question, notes and questions you created in the left column Write a summary at the bottom of your paper (the number of sentences in your summary should correspond to the number of questions on your paper)

WORLD MAP INSTRUCTIONS Label the Continents & Oceans Label England & West Africa (outlined on your map) Color each continent a different color