Introduction to Philippine History and Historiography

A set of question-and-answer flashcards covering key concepts, thinkers, methods, and course outcomes from the lecture on Philippine history and historiography.

What is the main focus of the course “Readings in Philippine History”?

Analyzing selected primary sources from different periods to understand Philippine history through eyewitness perspectives.

Why does the course emphasize primary sources rather than relying on textbooks?

To expose students to first-hand evidence, develop critical analysis, and gain insights directly from contemporaries of historical events.

How does the traditional understanding define history?

As a chronological record of past events, often emphasizing political and military narratives and their causes.

From which Greek word does “history” originate and what does it mean?

From the Greek word “historia,” meaning knowledge acquired through inquiry or investigation.

In terms of sources, how does modern history differ from traditional history?

Modern history uses diverse sources—including oral histories, artifacts, and marginalized voices—beyond official written documents.

How does modern history treat historical perspective?

It welcomes multiple perspectives, acknowledging bias and subjective interpretations.

What methodological shift separates modern from traditional history?

Moving from rote memorization of dates and events toward critical analysis, contextualization, and historiographical debate.

Who authored “What Is History?” (1961) and what key idea did he promote?

E.H. Carr; he argued that history is a continuous dialogue between past and present shaped by historians’ interpretations.

Who is called the Father of Modern Historiography and what principle did he stress?

Leopold von Ranke; he emphasized writing history “wie es eigentlich gewesen” (how it actually happened) through primary evidence.

Translate “Wie es eigentlich gewesen.”

“How it actually happened.”

Who pioneered Pantayong Pananaw and how did he define history in Filipino?

Zeus Salazar; he said, “Ang kasaysayan ay salaysay na may saysay sa sinasalaysayang salinglahi,” meaning history is a narrative meaningful to the generation being narrated.

What linguistic goal does Pantayong Pananaw set for writing history?

Using Filipino as the primary medium to make history more relevant and accessible.

What does the “internal perspective” of Pantayong Pananaw advocate?

Understanding Philippine history through Filipino concepts instead of foreign viewpoints.

Define the historical period known as Pre-history.

A time with no surviving written records, studied through fossils and artifacts by archaeologists and anthropologists.

Define the historical period known simply as History (in the divisions of history).

The era when humans began recording events in writing; analyzed via carvings, engravings, papyrus, paper, etc.

Give one major role of historians.

To select the most relevant resources for the subject of study.

What is historiography?

The writing of history based on critical examination, selection, and synthesis of authentic sources.

What is the first step in conducting historical research?

Choosing a topic.

Give two reasons studying history is important.

It unites a nation and helps people make sense of the present (other acceptable answers: prevents repetition of mistakes, legitimizes regimes, inspires good practices).

What is a primary source?

A document or artifact created by someone who witnessed or participated in the event being studied.

Give three examples of primary sources.

Diaries, letters, photographs (others: interviews, newspapers, artifacts).

What is a secondary source?

A work that interprets or analyzes primary sources, often written years after the event.

Regarding reliability, which primary sources are preferred?

Those created closest to the time of the event.

Regarding reliability, which secondary sources are preferred?

The most recent ones, reflecting updated scholarship.

List Garraghan’s six points of inquiry for evaluating a primary source.

Date, Localization, Authorship, Analysis, Integrity, Credibility.

Define historical criticism.

A method of analyzing texts by examining the historical context in which they were produced.

What is the first step of the historical method?

Heuristic—the search for sources.

What is external criticism?

Testing a document’s authenticity through its physical traits, materials, and consistency with its purported time.

Name two typical questions in external criticism.

“When was it written?” and “Who was the author?” (others: where, why it survived, materials used, vocabulary consistency).

What is internal criticism?

Evaluating the truthfulness and meaning of a source by examining its content, context, authorship, and purpose.

Give two questions historians ask in internal criticism.

“Was it written by an eyewitness?” and “Why was it written?” (others: consistency, connotations, literal vs contextual meaning).

Name four of Howell & Prevenier’s seven factors for internal criticism.

Genealogy, Genesis, Originality, Interpretation (others: Authorial authority, Competence, Trustworthiness).

What does the ‘genealogy of a document’ examine?

Its origin and transmission history.

What does ‘authorial authority’ evaluate?

The credibility and expertise of the author regarding the subject matter.

Why are historical sources important?

They allow historians to reconstruct the past, reveal creators’ biases, and show continuity and change over time.

Which course outcome involves proposing solutions to present problems based on historical understanding?

Outcome #7 – Propose recommendations or solutions using insights from history.

Which course outcome focuses on evaluating primary sources for credibility?

Outcome #1 – Evaluate primary sources for their credibility, authenticity, and provenance.

During external criticism, what primary aspect is being verified?

The authenticity of the document or artifact.

During internal criticism, what is mainly analyzed?

The content’s truthfulness, meaning, and contextual accuracy.

What holistic view does Pantayong Pananaw recommend for studying Filipino history?

A comprehensive approach covering all aspects of society, not just colonial influence.