Week 2 - Historiography 701

History

The term refers to the ways the past is recovered, thought about, spoken of, and written down, including a specific type of written account composed in continuous prose.

Historiography

The written genre of history itself, and the study of how history is written, including the examination of historiographers and their impact on historical thought.

Global Perspective

An approach that recognizes the influence of different historical traditions on each other, often at the expense of non-Western perspectives.

Historical Culture

The notion that history exists not only in academic forms but also in oral, visual, and electronic representations, encompassing various ways of organizing and recounting the past.

Fragmentary Evidence

The incomplete inscriptions and records from historical events that challenge historians to piece together broader narratives from limited clues.

Cuneiform Writing

An ancient writing system developed by the Sumerians which allowed for the documentation of transactions, laws, and myths, facilitating the transition from oral to written history.

Hieroglyphics

The writing system used in ancient Egypt that combines logographic and alphabetic elements, primarily for monumental inscriptions and religious texts.

Epic of Gilgamesh

A significant ancient Mesopotamian literary work that intertwines history with mythology, reflecting the cultural values and beliefs of the time.

Chronographic Texts

Historical documents that record events in chronological order, including king lists, annals, and chronicles.

Didactic Purpose of History

The use of historical narratives to provide moral lessons, advice, or cautionary tales for contemporary societies.

Poliittical Authority

The way in which rulers and elites utilize history to legitimize their power and reinforce their governance.

Hagiography

A genre of historical writing focused on the lives of saints, often intertwining religious narratives with historical accounts.

Cumulative History

A method of historical record-keeping characterized by the preservation of history over centuries, particularly noted in Southern Asia.

Shiji (Records of the Grand Historian)

A monumental work by Sima Qian that pioneered narrative history, connecting individual lives to broader historical frameworks.

Moral Lessons in History

The practice of linking historical events with ethical guidance, using the past to inform governance and societal values.

Islamic Historiography

The study of historical writing in the Islamic tradition, emphasizing a blend of religious narratives with historical events and socio-political context.

Chinese Historiography

Historical writing in China, characterized by the blending of moral instruction with records of events, influenced by Confucian ideals.

Intercultural Contact

The limited exchanges between different cultures until the early modern period, influencing historical methodologies across regions.

Thucydides Method

An empirical approach to historiography emphasizing critical analysis, factual accuracy, and the role of human agency in historical events.

Herodotus's Histories

An inquiry-based narrative focused on the Persian Wars, emphasizing diverse perspectives and the importance of storytelling in history.

Ancient Near East

A region comprising early civilizations such as Sumerians, Egyptians, Hittites, and Babylonians, noted for their contributions to historical documentation.

National Identity

The concept of tracing ethnic, linguistic, and familial origins through historical narratives to create a sense of belonging within a nation.

The Role of Memory

The intrinsic role of human memory in shaping historical narratives, with the past continuously present in collective consciousness.