Sub-Strand
1:
Importance of History to the Individual and the Society
Sub-Strand
2:
Features of History as an Academic Discipline
Learning
Indicators (At the end of this section, you should be able to):
1. Justify why the study of history is
relevant to individuals and society.
2. Analyse the nature and scope of History as an academic discipline.
Importance
of History to the Individual and the Society
History benefits both individuals and
society. By society, we refer to our country, regions, ethnic groups,
hometowns, schools, and other important places. Below are Some of the
importance of studying history.
1. The study of history like other disciplines help some individuals to earn a living (career aspect). It serves as a source of employment for people who study the subject at a higher level. This, therefore, provides avenues for people who study the subject to be employed as teachers. Lecturers and authors, as well as, in other establishments such as historical sites, museums and tourist centres.
2. History promotes national harmony and integration. The Study of history helps an individual to understand and tolerate each other which fosters national harmony. An individual becomes aware of how the various ethnic group came together to form the present-day Ghana.
3. History promotes tolerance by helping people to understand the diversity that exists within society. The study of history gives one an understanding of other people’s socio-cultural practices thereby making it easier to understand and tolerate them.
4. History contributes to patriotism by instilling a sense of national pride and identity.Through the study of history, people become aware that their present socio-economic and political development enjoyed by the society came as a result of the struggle and sacrifices of certain individuals in the past. Example of such people were Dr. Kwame Nkrumah (Ghana), Dr. Nnamdi Azikiwe (Nigeria), Nelson Mandela (South Africa) and Julius Nyerere (Tanzania). This will always urge individuals to become patriotic, devoted and dedicated to the cause of their country in order to contribute their quota to the development of the African continent as a whole.
5. History plays a vital role in fostering customs, traditions and values. The study of history enables an individual to understand the various customs, traditions and values of other ethnic groups.
6. History provides individuals with self-identity. History helps individuals understand who they are and where they come from. History is always a crucial basis for other academic disciplines. All other academic discipline such as sciences, humanities etc. rely on history. History offers individuals several critical skills that can benefit them in various aspects of life.
Other
Important Contributions of History to the Growth of Ghana
1. Maintaining
territorial integrity: Ghana’s boundaries are protected by
historical documents like colonial maps and treaties. These records have been
essential in maintaining the country’s borders with its neighbours. For
example, Ghana relied on these documents to resolve a boundary dispute with
Côte d’Ivoire at the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS).
This case involved the Cape Three Point, where Ghana discovered oil. Without
history, Ghana could have lost the case and the financial benefits from oil
exploration. You and your classmates should debate the motion: “Ghana would
have lost many opportunities if she had lost the boundary dispute with Côte
d’Ivoire.
2.
Data-driven
decisions and policies: History helps the government,
development partners, and agencies make informed decisions in areas like
education, health, employment, and infrastructure. Historical records such as
party manifestos, budgets, parliamentary Hansards, and international agreements
provide data for policy-making.
3. Conflict
resolution: Historical documents such as land titles,
stool and skin succession records, and court judgments are essential for
resolving disputes. Land and succession disputes are common in Ghana, but
history has helped resolve many through these records, preventing more
conflicts.
4. Boosting
tourism: History contributes to tourism, with sites like the
Kwame Nkrumah Mausoleum, Larabanga Mosque, and Manhyia Museum attracting
visitors. These sites not only teach Ghanaians about their heritage but also
draw thousands of international tourists, particularly African Americans, who
come to connect with Ghana’s rich cultural history. Tourism brings foreign
exchange, which supports the national budget. Historical sites, in
Features
of History as an Academic Discipline
History as an academic discipline is
distinguished by its unique approach to understanding and interpreting the
past. It encompasses a broad range of methods and techniques used to
investigate and analyse events, contexts, and narratives that have shaped
societies over time. The discipline involves critical examination of sources,
rigorous evaluation of evidence, and the formulation of coherent arguments
based on historical data. Through its study, history not only aims to document
past occurrences but also seeks to offer insights into how these events have
influenced contemporary issues and future developments.
Understanding these features helps to
appreciate the depth and significance of history as more than just a record of
what has happened but as a vital tool for comprehending the world today.
1. History
and Time: History is deeply concerned with human activities as
they occur within the framework of time. It captures the progression of events
and their significance at particular moments. Human history is, therefore, the
ongoing story of development over time, with time itself offering a perspective
that sheds light on past events, giving them depth and resonance.
2.
History
and Space: The study of history goes hand-in-hand with the
physical and geographical spaces in which human activities take place. It
highlights the dynamic interactions between people and their environments.
Whether political, social, economic, or cultural, these interactions shape the
unique trends and achievements of different groups. Thus, history paints a
vivid picture of the way nations and societies evolve within their physical
surroundings.
3.
The
Multisided Nature of History: History covers every
aspect of life within a social group, as these aspects are intricately
connected. Whether it’s your ethnic group, religion, or country, history
encompasses all, not just the political dimension which has long dominated
historical discourse. It explores the political, social, economic, cultural,
technological, artistic, and literary aspects of social groups, providing a
sense of world unity and citizenship.
4. Critical
Analysis, Not Just Storytelling: History is far more than
mere storytelling. It involves a critical analysis of past events and
processes. Historians don’t just recount human acts; they establish the causal
relationships between them. By tracing the connections between events,
historians develop general principles and laws, which they compare and contrast
with similar events in other societies. This analysis strengthens the
reliability and validity of these historical conclusions.
5.
Relevance
in History: History doesn’t cover every event from the past,
only those that hold relevance to society today. These events, such as
chieftaincy, colonialism, and the contributions of women to development, help
us understand the present. The selective focus on significant happenings
ensures that history remains connected to contemporary realities, offering
lessons for today’s world.
6.
Illuminating the Present Through the Past:
One of history’s greatest functions is helping us to make sense of the present
by examining the past. By understanding the cause-and-effect relationships
between historical events and contemporary circumstances, we gain valuable
insights into our current challenges. For instance, consider how the breakdown
of traditional taboos and social control measures has contributed to
irresponsible environmental practices today. Reflect on how an understanding of
these taboos could guide us towards more environmentally responsible behavior.
Past
Questions
1.
In what five ways can the study of History contribute to the development of
any African country?
2. Highlight any five reasons for the study of African History.
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