This document discusses the study of history. It defines history as the study of past events, particularly in human affairs. It explains that history should be studied because it is essential for understanding people and societies, how they change over time, and our own identities. Studying history also contributes to moral understanding and is important for good citizenship. The document discusses the strengths and limitations of primary and secondary sources. Primary sources have the strength of being more accurate but can be biased based on the author's perspective. Secondary sources may not be completely truthful or accurate as stories can change over time. There is often bias in historical accounts between countries involved in conflicts as they will present different versions of events based on their perspectives.

1. o History Seminar
 What is history: The study of past events, particularly in human affairs.
 Why study history: In the past history has been justified for reasons we would no longer
accept. For instance, one of the reasons history holds its place in current education is
because earlier leaders believed that a knowledge of certain historical facts helped
distinguish the educated from the uneducated; the person who could reel off the date of
the Norman conquest of England (1066) or the name of the person who came up with the
theory of evolution at about the same time that Darwin did (Wallace) was deemed
superior—a better candidate for law school or even a business promotion. Knowledge of
historical facts has been used as a screening device in many societies, from China to the
United States, and the habit is still with us to some extent. Unfortunately, this use can
encourage mindless memorization—a real but not very appealing aspect of the discipline.
History should be studied because it is essential to individuals and to society, and because
it harbors beauty. There are many ways to discuss the real functions of the subject—as
there are many different historical talents and many different paths to historical meaning.
All definitions of history's utility, however, rely on two fundamental facts.
 Why studying History (for us as a student)
 History helps us understand people and societies
 History helps us understand change and how the society we live in came to be
 The important of history in our own lives
 History contributes to moral understanding
 History provides identity
 Studying history is essential for good citizenship
 Strengths and limitations of primary and secondary sources
 Primary Source
 Strengths and limitations
 Avoid when authors put their own spins or opinions in the topic they are talking about.
 There can be emotional factor that influences the way a person is telling a story
 They might only sees things that are according to their mental maps
 It is more accurate than secondary sources

2.  Eyewitness accuracy might misunderstood the events or distort their reports to enhance
their own image or importance.
 May reflects only on opinion or perspective
 Secondary Source
o Strengths and Limitations
 The story tend to change over the times people are passing on the stories
 May not be truthful, accurate or complete
 Bias perceptions
 People may tend to believe when it is passed on from generation to generation because it
shows that the story is significant to some certain group or societies.
 Bias in history is when two countries that are fighting against each other have a different
story based on the same event. Each country will tell the story based on its perspective
and use their own versions of evidences to support it. They will have some bias in the
story and it is all depend on who the listener will believe due to the fact that the listeners
also have different beliefs and background.