Introduction to History (HIS101)

This set of vocabulary flashcards covers key concepts, definitions, and types of historical sources as discussed in the HIS101 Introduction to History course notes.

History

The systematic study of the past, primarily focusing on the human past, which involves analyzing and interpreting evidence to construct a chronological record of events.

Prehistory

The period of human development prior to recorded history that is studied through archaeological and anthropological evidence rather than written records.

Recorded History

History based on written accounts, generally beginning around the 4th millennium BCE with writing in Sumer ($3400\,\text{BCE}$) and Egypt ($3200\,\text{BCE}$).

Primary Sources

First-hand accounts or direct evidence concerning a topic, created by witnesses or participants at the time of the event or period being studied.

Secondary Sources

Accounts that analyze, interpret, or draw conclusions from primary sources, typically created after the events have occurred.

Tertiary Sources

Sources that compile, index, or summarize information from primary and secondary sources to provide background information or research starting points.

Historiography

The study of the writing of history, including the methods, theories, and practices used by historians to develop history as an academic discipline.

Chronology

The science of dating events and arranging them in their sequential order of occurrence in time.

Periodization

The process of categorizing the past into discrete, named blocks of time (e.g., the Middle Ages) for the purpose of study and analysis.

Causation

The relationship in history where one event (the cause) directly influences or brings about another event (the effect).

Bias

A prejudice or predisposition for or against a particular person, group, or point of view, often stemming from personal beliefs or cultural background.

Objectivity

The goal of presenting historical events and interpretations fairly and without undue influence from personal feelings or prejudices.

Historical Empathy

The ability to understand the past from the perspective of those who lived in it, recognizing their values, beliefs, and motivations within their own context.

Anachronism

Something that is out of its proper historical time, such as an object, person, or idea existing in a time period where it does not belong.

Historical Revisionism

The reinterpretation of historical narratives based on new evidence, re-examination of existing evidence, or a shift in perspectives.

Sociology

The systematic study of society, human social behavior, and patterns of social relationships that provides historians with theories to analyze social forces.

Political Science

The study of governments and political systems, which uses history as raw material for comparing past events and decisions.

Economics

The social science studying the allocation of scarce resources; its historical branch examines the economic organization and growth of past societies.

Geography

The study of the Earth's landscapes and environments, which influences history via physical features like mountains, rivers, and climate.

Anthropology

The study of humanity including its origins and cultural development, providing historians with insights into social structures and belief systems.

Archaeology

A sub-discipline of anthropology that reconstructs the past through the excavation of sites and the analysis of physical remains like artifacts.

Philosophy of History

A branch of philosophy examining the theoretical foundations, methods, and implications of history, such as the nature of historical knowledge and objectivity.