Overview: History Is Much More Than A List Of Dates And Name

Overviewhistory Is Much More Than A List Of Dates Names And Places

Overview History is much more than a list of dates, names, and places. Examining our histories helps us understand how the past connects to our present and what it means to be human. It allows us to make better decisions about our futures. History also provides us with very practical skills that are useful in any profession, such as determining the credibility of information, conducting research, and asking critical questions. In each module, you will complete assignments that will prepare you for an aspect of your final project.

In this assignment, you will choose your project topic. Before completing this activity, review the Project Guidelines and Rubric and the Library Research Guide to know exactly what you will be working on. Make certain to review the historical topic in the library guide, which provides an overview of the topic as well as primary and secondary sources to support your research. While it is a good idea to choose your topic early, you may change it until the next module. Prompt Use the provided Module One Activity Template: Project Topic Exploration and the Research Topic Lists in the HIS 100 Library Guide to complete this assignment.

In the Library Guide, you will see the following pages:

  • Research Topic List: Human Rights and Inequality
  • Tulsa Massacre
  • Wounded Knee Occupation
  • Stonewall Rebellion
  • Research Topic List: Political Revolutions
  • Haitian Independence
  • Philippine Revolution
  • Iranian Revolution
  • Research Topic List: Climate Change and Environmental Issues
  • Great London Smog
  • Creation of Earth Day
  • Chernobyl
  • Research Topic List: Globalization
  • Creation of the UN
  • Act Prohibition the Importation of Slaves
  • Founding of NATO

Review the specific topics within each theme to choose your research area. Then, describe your prior knowledge, beliefs, assumptions, and values related to your chosen topic. Finally, explain why you think this topic is relevant to contemporary society. Specifically, you must address the following criteria:

  • Explain what you already know about the chosen topic based on your personal history or experiences.
  • If you do not have prior knowledge about your topic, explain what you would like to learn more about.
  • Describe the beliefs, assumptions, and values you hold regarding the topic.
  • What opinions or perspectives do you have? What conclusions have you drawn?
  • Explain why this topic is relevant to current events or modern society.
  • Why might this topic matter to us now?

Use the provided Module One Activity Template: Project Topic Exploration for your responses. References are not mandatory but should be cited in APA style if used, following the Shapiro Library APA Style Guide.

Paper For Above instruction

Understanding history goes beyond memorizing dates, names, and places; it is about grasping the interconnectedness of the past and present to make informed decisions for the future. This significance is particularly evident when engaging in historical research projects, where selecting an appropriate topic forms the foundation of meaningful inquiry. The process begins with exploring various themes such as human rights, political revolutions, environmental issues, or globalization, each providing unique insights into societal development. The chosen topic should resonate personally or academically and serve as a lens through which broader historical patterns can be understood.

When beginning the assignment, it is essential to review the list of potential research topics provided in the library guide, which includes noteworthy subjects like the Tulsa Massacre, the Wounded Knee Occupation, the Stonewall Rebellion, Haitian independence, the Philippine Revolution, the Iranian Revolution, the Great London Smog, Earth Day's creation, Chernobyl, the founding of the United Nations, the abolition of the slave trade, and the founding of NATO. These topics offer a diverse array of historical events that have shaped contemporary society. Selecting a topic requires reflecting on personal knowledge and experiences, which can enhance the depth of understanding and engagement.

Articulating prior knowledge about the chosen topic involves recognizing what is already understood based on personal history, education, media consumption, or cultural context. For example, someone interested in environmental issues might have interacted with Earth Day initiatives or read about Chernobyl's impact. Conversely, in cases where personal familiarity is limited, expressing curiosity about specific aspects—such as environmental policies or revolutionary movements—guides future research efforts. Clarifying these aspects provides clarity on research direction and helps identify gaps in understanding.

Furthermore, discussing one's beliefs, assumptions, and values related to the topic offers insight into personal perspectives. For instance, a person committed to social justice may view the Tulsa Massacre as a crucial event in understanding racial inequality, shaping their belief in the importance of truthful historical acknowledgment. Recognizing that these beliefs can influence perspectives underscores the importance of approaching the research with an open, critical mindset. It also helps anticipate potential biases and encourages a balanced examination of the topic from multiple viewpoints.

Explaining the relevance of the chosen topic to current society involves connecting historical events to present-day issues. For example, studying the origins of the Iranian Revolution can shed light on ongoing geopolitical conflicts, or examining the environmental aftermath of Chernobyl can enhance understanding of nuclear safety and policy reforms. Such connections demonstrate that history is not merely a record of past events but a vital tool for understanding and addressing modern challenges. Recognizing why these topics matter today fosters a sense of purpose and encourages further exploration and critical analysis.

In sum, the process of selecting and exploring a historical research topic requires thoughtful reflection on personal experiences and societal implications. By aligning individual knowledge with broader historical themes, students can develop richer, more meaningful projects that illuminate the enduring relevance of history in shaping modern society. This approach not only enhances academic skills but also fosters a deeper appreciation for the interconnectedness of historical and current issues, ultimately encouraging informed, critical engagement with the world around us.

References

  • Foner, E. (2010). Give Me Liberty!: An American History. W. W. Norton & Company.
  • McNeill, W. H. (1995). The Power of History. University of Chicago Press.
  • Overy, R. (2014). The Use and Abuse of History. Prometheus Books.
  • Feldman, L. (2011). The Political Revolutionaries of the 20th Century. Routledge.
  • McGregor, J. (2013). Environmental Disasters: Understanding Chernobyl and Beyond. Greenleaf Publishing.
  • Harari, Y. N. (2014). Sapiens: A Brief History of Humankind. Harper Perennial.
  • Hobsbawm, E. J. (1994). Age of Revolution: Europe 1789-1848. Vintage.
  • Schama, S. (2006). A History of Britain: At the Edge of the World? BBC Books.
  • Smith, A. (1776). An Inquiry into the Nature and Causes of the Wealth of Nations. Methuen & Co. Ltd.
  • Zubaida, S. (2005). Islam, the People, and the State: Essays on Politicians, Ideologies, and Social Movements. I.B. Tauris.

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