CHAPTER 1: Meaning and Relevance of History: Distinction of Primary & Secondary
Sources; Repositories and Different Kinds of Primary Sources ; External and Internal
Criticism
Module 1: (3hours)
Title: Learning History
Introduction:
This chapter exposes students to where our history comes from. It presents history as an academic
discipline. It discusses the definition, the importance of studying history.
History is defined and brought together by social scientists of many different interests and
specialties. History is not confined to the study of the past but, it is related to the past, present, and future. It
covers all aspects of human society. Political, social, economic, cultural, scientific, technological, medical,
and religious developments are all part of history. Every happening has a specific context and it leads to
specific effects. The present of today is going to be the past of tomorrow. Today’s situation and current
happenings are going to be the past tomorrow. Yesterday has its influence on today on tomorrow. With
these, history as a discipline has already turned into a complex and dynamic inquiry.
Learning Outcomes:
At the end of this topic, you are expected to:
1. state and understand the meaning of history;
2. appreciate the importance of studying history;
3. engage deeper understanding with our country’s rich history and culture; and
4. study and analyze the sources and come up with an understanding of a historical truth.
Guide Questions:
1. What is your understanding of history? How is your view different from what is explained in this
lesson?
2. As a student of history, what do you think will be your duties?
3. Why is there a need to understand and realize the meaning and importance of history?
Learning Content:
What is History?
History Defined by E.H. Carr
 It is the inquiry conducted by the historian and the series of past events into which he inquires.
 It is the continuous process of interaction between the historian and his facts, an unending
dialogue between the present and the past
 It is what the historian makes
 It is the re-enactment in the historian’s mind of the thought whose history he is studying. –
Collingwood
 History is “a selective system” not only of cognitive, but of causal, orientations to reality. Parsons
Excerpts from Understanding History: A Primer of Historical Method by Louis Gottschalk (1950, New
York: Knopf, p.17)
Here are some other definitions of the nature of history:
a. History is interpretive; it invites students to debate multiple perspectives, offer their opinions and
educated interpretations, and challenge existing beliefs.
b. History is revisionist in scope; it is an on-going and constant process of reexamining the past based
on new discoveries, evidence, and perspectives
c. History is a constant process of questioning; it requires questioning the text, examining them
critically, and asking new questions
d. History is integrative; it is related to other disciplines like geography, sociology, literature,
economics etc.
e. History is inclusive; it includes experiences of all classes, regions, racial groups as well as both
genders.
f. History incorporates historiography; it includes all interpretations of historical events
g. History is relevant; it uses past experience to help solve present problems
Why Study History?
Looking at the past teaches us to see the world through different eyes – appreciating the diversity of
human perceptions, beliefs and cultures. Different and/or new perspectives will enable us to analyze
critically the present contexts of our society.
1. To learn about the past.
History enables people to discover and learn about the challenges of people around the world in
different periods of time. The satisfaction you will gain from examining these records is the
initial reason for studying history.
2. To understand the present.
Links between the past and the present are all around us. The more knowledge we gain of the
past the more insights we have into the present. We can learn valuable lessons from the past to
help solve present problems.
3. To appreciate your heritage.
Understanding history will give us greater appreciation of our heritage. It helps us to value these
contributions that are foundation of our culture and tradition, and is the foundation of our future
generation.
4. To broaden your perspectives.
5. To acquire background for critical thinking and analysis.
References:
Candelaria, et.al. (2018). Readings in the Philippine History. Rex Printing Company, Inc.
Manila, Philippines.
Ligan, et.al., (2018). Readings in the Philippine History. Mutya Publishing House, Inc.
Malabon City.
Torres, J. V., (2018) BATIS: Sources in Philippine History. Quezon City.