Nature and Scope of History

Strand: NATURE AND SCOPE OF HISTORY

Sub-Strand 1: Origin and meaning of History

Sub-Strand 2: Misconceptions Associated with the Study of History

Sub-Strand 3: Historical sources

Learning Indicator(s): (By the end of the Lesson students will be able to):

1.     Trace the origins and meanings of the word ‘history’ using conventional and nonconventional sources.

2.     Investigate some common misconceptions associated with the study of history.

3.     Identify the main sources used in the reconstruction of history.

 

Origins of the Word “history”

The word “history” has conventional and non-conventional origins. The non-conventional origins can be attributed to the indigenous phrases used by different communities and ethnic groups in Ghana to describe the word “history”. The Akan use the phrase ‘abakɔsɛm’ to refer to events of the past. In the Dagbani language, ‘Taarihi’ is used to describe the word “history”. The Ga refers to history as ‘blemasaji’, and the Ewe refers to it as ‘gbeɠenyawo’. Among the Gonja, it is referred to as ‘Adrash3ŋ’.

Conventionally, the word “history” is derived from the Greek word “historia”, which means “inquiry.” The term was popular in the 5th Century BCE/BC when Herodotus used it to describe his inquiry into past events, focusing on the events that led to the Persian Wars. It was Herodotus who laid the foundations for historical studies in ancient times. Hence, Herodotus is considered The Father of History. Thucydides has been dubbed the father of "scientific history" by those who accept his claims to have applied strict standards of impartiality and evidence-gathering and analysis of cause and effect, without reference to intervention by the gods.

History is a living subject which reveals the past, gives an understanding of the present and gives an indication into the future. The term is used to describe the study of significant past events of humans and the changes that occurred during different periods. It is not only about the recording of factual data such as dates, names and places but also the interpretation and analysis of the events within their socio-political and cultural context.

It is concerned mainly with the human world. Thus, history deals with the study of significant human past activities through time.

What is Historical Sources?

Historians use the term historical sources to refer to the means by which historical information is gotten. Again, by historical sources, the historian means traces that the past has left of itself in the present, in the form of document, artifacts, buildings, castles and forts, coins, institution, traditions, festivals, customs and so forth. There are two main sources for writing history. These are:

·       Primary sources

Primary sources are materials produced by the people or groups directly involved in the event or topic under discussion, ether as participants or as witnesses. Some primary sources are written documents such as letters, diaries, newspaper and magazine articles, speeches, autobiographies, treatise, census data and marriage, birth and death registers. In addition, historians often examine primary sources that are not written. Examples are works of art, films, and recordings, items of clothing, household objects, tools and archaeological remains.

•        Secondary/Documentary/Written Source

This refers to documents or written accounts which give information about past events concerning people. Examples of documentary sources are:

Newspapers, Diaries, Travelers’ account, Journals, Reports of commissions of enquiry, party Manifesto, Government official records, Minutes of meetings, Private letters, Official reports of officers, Court records,  Books,  Anniversary brochures , Tributes, Magazines etc.

Misconceptions Associated with the Study of History

History is the study of significant past human activities, and it provides a framework for gaining an understanding of the present and the future. However, the study of history is often plagued by misconceptions. The following are some common misconceptions associated with the study of history:

1.     History is a dry and boring subject.

2.     History is a subjective and biased subject

3.     History is a static and unchanging discipline

4.     History is just the memorisation of facts and dates

5.     History is an abstract and theoretical subject that has little relevance to the real world

6.     It provides limited job opportunities

It is important to note that these misconceptions are unfounded. History is a dynamic field that encompasses more than memorising facts. It involves critical thinking, analysis, and interpretation of past events, which are crucial skills in the current global workforce.

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https://youtu.be/Wu7yTM8lXGE?si=irSqO8uWB2ZOracT