History meaning, nature, objective

History meaning, nature, objective

1. HISTORY Meaning, Nature, objectives Dr Mary Varghese Assistant Professor Seva Sadan’s College of Education

2. Introduction History is often said to be the “queen” or “mother” of the social sciences. It outdates the other social sciences, having appeared in school long before the others with the possible exception of geography. It is the basis of all subjects of study which fall under the category of Humanities and S ocial Sciences . It is also the basis of the study of philosophy, politics, economics and even art and religion. No wonder, it is considered an indispensable subject in the complete education of man.

3. Meaning of History The word “History” has been derived from the Greek word “ Historia ” which means “information” or “an enquiry designed to elicit truth”. It is just ‘man-his story’- - the story of his efforts to satisfy his craving for an orderly social life, to satisfy his love for freedom and to satisfy his thirst for beauty and knowledge. The credit of giving history the status of an independent field of study goes to the Greek historian Herodotus, who lived in the 5 th century B.C. He collected information about the present and past of places and then gave an interesting narration

4. Definition of history There is no universally agreed definition of history. It has been defined differently by different scholars. Burckhardt says- “History is the record of what one age finds worthy of note in another”. Marc Bloch- feels that “History is the Science of men in time ”. H.G.Wells - “Human history is in essence a history of ideas ” Miller – “ The course of life is like the sea: men come and go, tides rise and fall, that is all of history ”

5. Definition of history…. contd Freeman- “ History is past politics Rapson - “History is a connected account of the course of events or progress of ideas.” Gurudev Tagore gives a very simple but beautiful definition of history. He says, “There is only one history--- The History of Man”. Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru- “ History is the story of Man’s struggle through the ages against Nature and the elements: against wild beasts and the jungle and some of his own kind who have tried to keep him down and to exploit him for their own benefits

6. Nature of History History is a study of the present in the light of the past History is the study of man It is reconstruction of the past History is dynamic History is concerned with man in time and space It is objective & scientific record of events History is continuous - past is connected to progressively emerging future ends.

7. Nature of History….. contd It is a dialogue between the events of the past and progressively emerging future trends History is the story of the growth of human consciousness, both in its individual and collective aspects Continuity and Coherence are the necessary requisites of history History is an evolution, growth and development of human civilization through the ages

8. Objectives of teaching history The real interest in history should be developed in the students Various mental faculties to be developed - curiosity and analytical reasoning, critical faculty Encourage to think independently Encourage to look at the present in the light of the past and to dream for future.

9. Objectives of teaching history ……. contd Develop sense of time. Establish relationship between past, present and future Should be given idea of the exchange of the various cultures of the world. Understand the rise and fall of various civilization, kingdoms of the world. Understand the contributions of nations and personalities for the progress of mankind

10. Objectives of teaching history ……. contd Develop a historical attitude in order to understand- universal brotherhood, human rights, international understanding and to understand the challenges of globalization Patriotism and world-brotherhood should be developed in greater respects Maintain the spirit of religious equality Create awareness about the important historical events, contemporary important happening and critical issues Develop a scientific attitude free from narrow mindedness, regressive prejudices and communalism

11. THANK YOU