I N T R O D U C T I O N T O H I S T O R Y Get to know the past in order to understand the present What is history? Histor y is the set of events experienced by humans in the past. But it is also the science that investigates the events, ways of life, culture and social interactions from previous eras. How do we study the past? People who study the past are called historians. They carr y out their work using the scientific method: They choose a subject to investigate and formulate a hypothesis (a likely explanation). They look for information by consulting various sources. They check the information that they find and analyse it critically. They draw conclusions based on their analysis and compare them to their original hypothesis. They present the work they have verified in books and journals and at conferences, etc. What are sources? Historical sources are pieces of the past that have sur vived . Sources are classified according to the period they come from. Primar y sources are from the same period as the event they are used to analyse. Secondar y sources are from a later period . Sources can be written or non-written. Historians must determine whether the sources they use are authentic and reliable. They must also distinguish between objective and subjective information , and detect possible mistakes. Finally, they must consult as many contrasting sources as possible because distinct sources provide dif ferent information and perspectives. Most material sources (sculptures, documents, etc.) are kept in historical archives, libraries and museums, or are stored digitally. Non-material sources (traditions, songs, dances, etc.) are preser ved by the society, community or culture they belong to. Material sources Non-material sources Graphic sources Human remains, objects (furniture, clothes, footwear, domestic utensils, musical instruments, etc.), (1) constructions (houses, churches, monasteries, palaces, bridges, theatres, fortresses, roads, etc.). Oral traditions, legends, stories, shows, festivals, gastronomy, traditional artisanal techniques, etc. (2) Artwork (paintings, drawings, engravings, sculptures, etc.),(3) other graphic works (maps, graphs, photos, films, etc.). Non-wr i t ten Public documents ( laws, decrees, speeches, wills, registrations, etc.), private documents (personal notes, diaries, letters, memoirs, invoices, financial accounts, etc.), the press (magazines, newspapers, newsletters, etc.), leaflets and scientific, historical, musical and literary works,(4) etc. Written 1. Viola da gamba 2. Handmade madreñas 3. Still life by Clara Peeters 4. Literary work TYPES OF SOURCES 8
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