CHAPTER 1:

Meaning and Relevance of

History; Distinction of Primary
and Secondary Sources;
External and Internal
Criticisms; Repositories and
Different Kinds of Primary
Sources
LESSON 1
LEARNING HISTORY
What is History?
• Etymologically, HISTORY (From
greek word HISTORIA/ ISTORIA,
meaning “knowledge acquired by
investigation”).
• As a discipline, merriam
webster(2018) defined history as
a chronological record of
significant events (such as those
affecting a nation or institution)
often including an explanation of
their causes.
 HISTORY
History is a narration of the events
which have happened among mankind,
including an account of the rise and fall
of the nations, as well as other great
changes which have affected the
political and social condition of the
human race.
On the other side, events occurring
before written record are considered
prehistoric: an umbrella term that
relates to past events as well as the
memory, discovery, collection,
organization, presentation and
interpretation of information about
events.
Hence, scholars who write about
history are called HISTORIANS

The word history is reffered usually

for accounts of phenomena, specially
human affairs in chronological
order.
There are theories constructed by
historians in investigating history;

a. Factual History
b. Speculative History
Factual History
 Presents readers the plain and
basic information, the events that took
place (WHAT). The time and the date
with which the event
happened(WHEN). The place within
which the event took place(WHERE)
and the people that where involve
(WHO)
Speculative History
 It goes beyond facts because it
is concerned about the reasons for
which events happened about the
reasons for which events happened
(WHY), and the way they happened
(HOW).
Why Study History?
History teaches us to see the world through different eyes-
appreciating the diversity of human perceptions, beliefs and
cultures.
History will give you a combination of skills and insights that
will help you to:
• Prepare you for work
• Enable you to participate fully in society
History is very relevant to modern life.
• Many books, films and plays are inspired by
historical events
• Develop you as a person
ROLE OF A
HISTORIAN
• To draw insights from the ideas and realities that
have shaped the lives of men and women and the
society.

• Can comprehend how situations happened,

identify their elements, and think how these
situations can solve today’s predicaments and
help plan for the future.
ROLE OF
HISTORY
1. History becomes an active factor in the
study of Philippine society.
ROLE OF 2. It looks into the development of
HISTORY Philippine culture through time
especially with the influences of the
colonial period that would eventually
shape the present Philippine identity.
ROLE OF
HISTORY 3. You will develop an appreciation of the
society in which you live and of other
societies, past and present.
ROLE OF
HISTORY 4. You will also develop a greater
awareness of your own identity and
traditions.
ROLE OF
HISTORY 5. You will learn more about the
particular role of women in shaping the
past.
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 our history?