Born in 1929 in Calvados, Emmanuel Le Roy Ladurie was not only inspired by the Annales, he also became an editor of the journal in 1967. Though Ladurie did produce works concerning political history, his greatest contribution was how he approached the topic. Ladurie's research included what he called a "total history" of peasants in southern France during the premodern period. His approach to this topic was to look at the history of long term continuities . Using demographics or quantitative data, Ladurie not only researches economics but uses an interdisciplinary approach as he incorporates the science of climate and ecology, ethnicity, religion, and mentalities to explain the political and economic conditions of these peasants over a long term period.
There were critics to Ladurie's sources that he used in compiling his research. How as students can we be sure that the sources we use are accurate?
Friday, May 31, 2013
Thursday, May 30, 2013
Philippe Aries
Born in Blois in 1914, Philippe Aries was man way before his time. After a failed attempt at becoming a teacher, Aries took a job as an archivist. His passion however was in the study of history, particularly in cultural history which was virtually unknown at this time. Inspired by the Annales, Aries wrote History of the French Populations and their Attitudes toward Life since the Eighteenth Century (1948), in which he presents his "history of mentalities." It is however his book L'Enfant et la vie familial sous l'Ancien Regime in which he is famous for. Within this book, Aries looks at the problem of why adolescents became "wayward." Through his research of the history of family dynamics, particularly of the parent-child relationship, and how life is a developmental process, Aries arrives at an answer that has neither political or military backing as once thought. Aries's ideas shared a commonality with psychologist Erik Erikson's model of "life-long psychological growth," which was brought public at about the same time as Aries's book.
When historians became "enlightened" to this new approach, how were they able to discover which avenues they wanted to pursue in history?
When historians became "enlightened" to this new approach, how were they able to discover which avenues they wanted to pursue in history?
Burke - Chapters 1 &2
Prior to the Enlightenment, the realm of historical studies extended to only three domains, political, military, and nobility. It wasn't until the mid-eighteenth century that a number of scholars began to look to a more non-political history. This is the history of society itself, the integration of interdisciplinary studies, including psychology and sociology and to take a problematic approach to history. The school of thought which approached history is this manner was the Annales.
The basis for the Annales was a French journal which began in 1928 by Lucien Febvre and Marc Bloch. This journal was their way of being able to bring forth these new approaches to history in which historians were to take a problem oriented approach to history and through the studies of society itself with the integration of interdisciplinary studies, would be able to achieve an answer to the problem. As both Febvre and Bloch's careers begin to rise, so did the Annales. This "new kind of history" now began to make its way into schools and universities. This revolutionary approach to history was able to take over.
This change in the way that we approach history really is revolutionary so why is it that information on this is not in our standard history books as a major world event?
The basis for the Annales was a French journal which began in 1928 by Lucien Febvre and Marc Bloch. This journal was their way of being able to bring forth these new approaches to history in which historians were to take a problem oriented approach to history and through the studies of society itself with the integration of interdisciplinary studies, would be able to achieve an answer to the problem. As both Febvre and Bloch's careers begin to rise, so did the Annales. This "new kind of history" now began to make its way into schools and universities. This revolutionary approach to history was able to take over.
This change in the way that we approach history really is revolutionary so why is it that information on this is not in our standard history books as a major world event?
Wednesday, May 29, 2013
Philippe Aries
Philippe Aries, a French historian, is credited with making the history of childhood a serious field of historical study. His book Centuries of Childhood published in 1962 examined the relationship between parents and their children from the fifteenth through the eighteenth century. His book coincided with popular concerns about shrinking families, permissive attitudes towards child rearing and wayward adolescents.
The idea of "childhood" as its own stage of development only recently entering into popular thinking, as Aries explains was an eye opener for me. Aries explained that "children resided on the margins of family life and their upbringing was often subject to benign neglect" and that during the Middle Ages there was "little sense of childhood". It is a very different perspective from today's society and how carefully and methodically we approach childhood and adolescent development. It raises the question as to why exactly were people inclined to have children, if not to love and nurture, but to neglect. I suppose the lack of family planning and the need for physical labor had much to do with it, but did they really have such little compassion?
The idea of "childhood" as its own stage of development only recently entering into popular thinking, as Aries explains was an eye opener for me. Aries explained that "children resided on the margins of family life and their upbringing was often subject to benign neglect" and that during the Middle Ages there was "little sense of childhood". It is a very different perspective from today's society and how carefully and methodically we approach childhood and adolescent development. It raises the question as to why exactly were people inclined to have children, if not to love and nurture, but to neglect. I suppose the lack of family planning and the need for physical labor had much to do with it, but did they really have such little compassion?
Tuesday, May 28, 2013
Brundage Chapter 5: Exploring Changing Interpretations: The Historiographic Essay
Throughout this chapter Brundage explains how to write a Historiographic essay. What's mostly important throughout the writing of a research paper if to select and refine a topic. If the topic is too broad the research will be far too hard and it'll be impossible to get a clear understanding of it.
The most important aspect of writing a Historiography paper is to understand that you are writing what Historians have written about the topic and not on the history of your topic. The history is already there and known it's up to you to research the information and restate what has already been said. Historians with different point of views is recommended in order to make your research more complete and writing more interesting.
What should we do if we can't seem to find a more refined topic?
How can you tell if your topic is refined enough?
The most important aspect of writing a Historiography paper is to understand that you are writing what Historians have written about the topic and not on the history of your topic. The history is already there and known it's up to you to research the information and restate what has already been said. Historians with different point of views is recommended in order to make your research more complete and writing more interesting.
What should we do if we can't seem to find a more refined topic?
How can you tell if your topic is refined enough?
Brundage Chapter Five
Images and other forms of media can also enhance one's research. The use of artwork and images have been essential to out interpretation of history. The Paul Revere's copperplate of the "Boston Massacre" has always been stuck in my mind since I was a child. Upon seeing the "Redcoats" shooting American Colonists it is hard not to have emotions of disdain.
However, this image and many images throughout history have been made as pieces of propaganda to encourage public support in favor or against different causes. During and after the Civil War there were films that promoted the Confederate cause and most horrifying the actions of the KKK. Similarly, Nazi Germany also used films and other propaganda to support the heinous and unspeakable horrors of the Holocaust.
Do you see propaganda in the television media today and if so where?
Brundage Chapter 4: Getting the Most Out of History Books
In this chapter, Brundage explains that while reading a book it is important to make yourself familiar with the title, subtitle, table of contents and inform yourself on the author of the book. It is also important to look at the preface and introduction in order to make yourself familiar with the book and author. Brundage explains that one of the most effective way to grasp the process of "active, critical reading" is to compare two works that are almost identical. By comparing them you can find out that they are actually written in different centuries, and focus on different things.
If you take the example of the American Civil War one Historian can focus on the background of the war, and others on its military, political, social, cultural, economic dimensions and impacts. Different authors can frame a subject differently as well as narrate and judge events differently. That way it is important to get two sides to a story in order to built up your understanding of a topic and comprehend it better and fully. If one of the work is written earlier on or in a different century it could have a different understanding of the subject, and the second one could be adding information to the first one and making it more complete.
While writing a research paper why is it important to compare two works that are almost identical? While reading a work, what other steps can be taken in order to get a better understanding of it?
Why is bias useful to Historians?
If you take the example of the American Civil War one Historian can focus on the background of the war, and others on its military, political, social, cultural, economic dimensions and impacts. Different authors can frame a subject differently as well as narrate and judge events differently. That way it is important to get two sides to a story in order to built up your understanding of a topic and comprehend it better and fully. If one of the work is written earlier on or in a different century it could have a different understanding of the subject, and the second one could be adding information to the first one and making it more complete.
While writing a research paper why is it important to compare two works that are almost identical? While reading a work, what other steps can be taken in order to get a better understanding of it?
Why is bias useful to Historians?
Brundage Chapter Four
Brundage makes a very good point that multiple sources should be consulted. It is important to compare sources in order to get a complete narrative on the subject that you are researching. When one has limited sources, the evidence behind your thesis will naturally be weak.
If there is a source that contains a bibliography that supports your thesis, the sources found therein should be consulted to ensure accuracy. You would not want to have a thesis supported on a secondary source which the primary source refutes. Sounds crazy, but people do it. Therefore, the best secondary sources are those that are peer-reviewed.
Why should sources be supported by primary data?
How can one decide whether the source is dependable?
Brundage Chapter Three
In the technological age we live in we have easy access to endless amounts of information. However, like there is a vast amount of reliable and accurate information available to us; there is even more garbage and trash. This only stresses the importance of identifying and finding valid primary and secondary sources for scholarly research.
Brundage suggests several dependable online catalogues. Citing sources that contain bibliographies is also key. A source that quotes and references passages from another source without a citation should be treated with a healthy dose of skepticism. It also important to not only search online, but seek out sources in libraries. Some libraries keep manuscript collections containing primary data, these should not be overlooked.
Why is it important to use different sources?
Where can these sources be located?
Brundage Chapter One
In chapter one, Brundage deals with the stereotypes that others have toward the field of History. People do often look at history as a "static" unchanging narrative of facts and dates. I agree that this is largely do to how history has been taught previously in a bygone era in elementary schools. However, if one takes the time to look at the actual historical record and reads in between the lines, one can find a different narrative.
Although it is cliche, I believe that "history has been written by the winners" over the years. Columbus discovered America? The Pilgrims landed on Plymouth Rock? Paul Revere's Ride? Ok, there are bits of truth in all those stories, but we all know that was not exactly what went down. We have been sold a convenient brand of history in the U.S. that offers a very European view of America and the world around us. However, this has happened in other places also. In the Dominican Republic under the infamous Dictator Trujillo people were sold a historical narrative that claimed the Dominican people descended from Spanish Conquistadores and Taino Indians only, completely ignoring their African heritage. In these cases, history has been dictated by political agenda and not an accurate historical account based on primary sources, but rather on myth and lies.
Has the American public been sold a government approved depiction of American history? Does this depiction exist today?
Brundage Chapter 3: Finding Your Sources: The Library Catalog and Beyond
In this Chapter Brundage explains how to find appropriate and useful sources while writing a research paper.Vital library services such as reference materials, periodicals, and the interlibrary loan system are often ignored and not used by students. They actually contain great variety of sources and are proved to be very useful while writing a research paper. The Online library catalog often called OPAC makes it possible to conduct a complete search from a single location. On top of being able to list the books and periodicals in your library, OPAC, also has electronic resources available that any student can get a hold of. Brundage explains that while starting a research it is important to know the object of the search and how to narrow down your topic. If your topic is too broad you're going to find a lot of sources and you won't be able to know what ones to choose from. You could be finding up to hundreds of pages on the French Revolution but if you chose to narrow your topic down to the diamond necklace affair you will find less sources and it will be easier for you to do your research and find stable and firm arguments.
While looking up for a book through OPAC it is important to look at the headings that appear through the research, the list of subject headings could have other works that could be of interest to you and in which the book you are looking for also could be located in. Another important habit to take while doing your research is to develop complete bibliographic entries for all the titles that you think will contribute to your paper or that might be of use in your research. That way you won't lose any of them or any time looking for them again and will have them saved for when you need to use them later on.
How would you organize your research if you were to use the internet? What websites would you use and what ones wouldn't you use?
Is it better to use primary or secondary sources throughout a research?
While looking up for a book through OPAC it is important to look at the headings that appear through the research, the list of subject headings could have other works that could be of interest to you and in which the book you are looking for also could be located in. Another important habit to take while doing your research is to develop complete bibliographic entries for all the titles that you think will contribute to your paper or that might be of use in your research. That way you won't lose any of them or any time looking for them again and will have them saved for when you need to use them later on.
How would you organize your research if you were to use the internet? What websites would you use and what ones wouldn't you use?
Is it better to use primary or secondary sources throughout a research?
Brundage Chapter 1: The Ever-Changing Shape and Texture of the Past
Anthony Brundage describes the concept of History as a dynamic process. It is believed by many that History is a passive and dormant discipline that torment the young with its "tedious, turgid catalog of dates and names." Brundage argues and sees History as a dynamic process because of its rich, varied, evolving intellectual system that permits us to achieve a better understanding of our world and of ourselves. In this definition History is still dealing with the past but also, the past is here in constant dialog with an ever-advancing present.
Historians are in constant search of fresh sources, approaches, methodological tools and interpretations. Interpreting a past event, process, or person is called revisionism. It emerged and has been practiced since the time of the Greeks. In Europe, the Philosophes of the enlightenment used revisionism in their campaign against ignorance, superstition, and tyranny. Brundage brings up another important aspect of History, Karl Marx's throughout his analyses states that the economic organization of society is the key to the past. He also explains that human history is driven by class struggle. This represents an important claim throughout History.
How has History been perceived over time? Has it always been perceived the same way?
How can you distinguish what type/style of History you are reading about?
Historians are in constant search of fresh sources, approaches, methodological tools and interpretations. Interpreting a past event, process, or person is called revisionism. It emerged and has been practiced since the time of the Greeks. In Europe, the Philosophes of the enlightenment used revisionism in their campaign against ignorance, superstition, and tyranny. Brundage brings up another important aspect of History, Karl Marx's throughout his analyses states that the economic organization of society is the key to the past. He also explains that human history is driven by class struggle. This represents an important claim throughout History.
How has History been perceived over time? Has it always been perceived the same way?
How can you distinguish what type/style of History you are reading about?
Monday, May 27, 2013
Going to the Sources Chapter Five
Brundage in chapter five goes over how to write a Historiography paper and gives examples. He points out to look at titles to help you find information about your topic. He then shows you how to transition your paper from author to author and other topics of interest. Brundage also talks about end notes and footnotes. As he stated in the chapter, endnotes appear at the end of your paper and foot notes appear at the bottom of each page. They both serve the same purpose, but if you have a professor who prefers endnotes to footnotes or vice versa, they would tell you. I often wonder which is better? Does one or the other really matter because they serve the same purpose?
In response to Brundage's take on note taking, I feel that both are really good strategies and work for students. But I often feel that note taking on index cards or paper works better because I often have trouble finding what I have typed or sometimes forgot to save my work. So I feel that note taking on index cards work better, but I see how both strategies benefit students. Some questions I have is what other students feel about note taking? and what ways do professors suggest?
In response to Brundage's take on note taking, I feel that both are really good strategies and work for students. But I often feel that note taking on index cards or paper works better because I often have trouble finding what I have typed or sometimes forgot to save my work. So I feel that note taking on index cards work better, but I see how both strategies benefit students. Some questions I have is what other students feel about note taking? and what ways do professors suggest?
Brundage Chapter Five
Brundage shows us what a Historiographical essay is. In doing so he also explains to his audience what not to write about. As I read in other posts by our classmates I couldn't help but to agree with them on the picking of a broad topic and how to refine your search. I noticed how important it is not to pick something that is too broad because their are books that are hundreds even thousands of pages long about these topics. It is very important to look at a topic and break it down into different events or views or specific items the we as researches will be able to find enough information about these topics.
What is the point of breaking a historical event down?
What is the point of breaking a historical event down?
Brundage Chapter Four
In this chapter Brundage wants his audience to look further into whom is writing the piece of history. He also wants his audience to look into how the historical work is written. Is it one sided? Does the piece cover every aspect of the event? The author of historical works background is very important when looking at a certain point of history. One may ask themselves the question of was this written by royalty? Peasant? These are the type of details that Brundage wants his readers to look for, in fact because they play a vital roll in the work being documented.
Brundage also wants his audience to look into similar works written around the same time to see if they share similar concepts or other details. Brundage talks about two works written about the civil war and speaks about how the titles of the works may make them seem like they are about the same topic. Brundage also informs us that by glancing at a title as a reader you couldn't be more wrong. the two works are completely different and share two vastly different point of view. In doing so and reading both works you will only broaden your knowledge and become more educated about the topic at hand.
Why is reading more then one historical work vital in the study of that event?
How is the knowledge of the background of the author effective in the study of their works?
Brundage also wants his audience to look into similar works written around the same time to see if they share similar concepts or other details. Brundage talks about two works written about the civil war and speaks about how the titles of the works may make them seem like they are about the same topic. Brundage also informs us that by glancing at a title as a reader you couldn't be more wrong. the two works are completely different and share two vastly different point of view. In doing so and reading both works you will only broaden your knowledge and become more educated about the topic at hand.
Why is reading more then one historical work vital in the study of that event?
How is the knowledge of the background of the author effective in the study of their works?
Brundage Chapter Three
In this chapter Brundage explains to his audience how important it is to use the library and online cataloging to your advantage as a historian. When looking at a historical event like the Boston Tea party one can type this into google and find hundreds of small articles that will all share the same event almost identically. Brundage wants us to look beyond what everyone already knows. Even though we need that basis for our research of the actual event Brundage wants us to go beyond that and get information from different points of view. What were the women's role at the time of the Boston Tea party? Did slaves come into affect? How did the British react? These are things that the general reader may not know and it is our job as a historian to use these databases to find out.
How valid are personal journals written by historical figures ? is there a way to cross reference them to validate them?
How valid are personal journals written by historical figures ? is there a way to cross reference them to validate them?
Brundage Chapter one
History as it is stated in Brundage's chapter one, can be viewed by people not in the field as that same typical events have just happened, there is no insight as to how they have happened, whom key players were while this event happened, or even the reasoning behind why an event happened in the first place. I especially enjoyed the part of the revisionism, which is "when an interpretation entails a more sweeping challenge to an established way of interpreting a past event, process, or person." As a historian every event from our past should be looked at with this type of approach.
European's were the first to actually take this step during the enlightenment period. literary works written by Voltaire and Gibbon were the first of their kinds to question things such as the states and the rulers during this time. People today still use these works to question how society is supposed to be controlled and or how the people in it are supposed to react to people in power.
If works from voltaire and Gibbon were never written what type of world would we be living in during the present?
European's were the first to actually take this step during the enlightenment period. literary works written by Voltaire and Gibbon were the first of their kinds to question things such as the states and the rulers during this time. People today still use these works to question how society is supposed to be controlled and or how the people in it are supposed to react to people in power.
If works from voltaire and Gibbon were never written what type of world would we be living in during the present?
Sunday, May 26, 2013
Brundage Chapter 5
In chapter five we finally get to begin to learn about the Historiographic Essay. Brundage first talks about, much like Professor Davis did in class, the importance of refining your topic. If you try to write about the entire American Revolution you are going to have to sift through thousands and thousands of sources and if you only choose ten you are only reading an extremely small and select sample space. Almost every topic can be refined even more. Like Brundage says, even though the assassination of Lincoln seems like it is very specific, it is still going to return a great deal of sources.
We then get to see an example of a Historiographic Essay. From looking the essay over I can say the one of the most important gramatical aspects of this assignment is the ability to smoothly transition from one authors findings to the next. In this essay, the author organized his sources by the years they were written. For example, after he speaks about one source his transition to the next source is along the lines of "written later on in the same year." I think its important to keep in mind that even though there is a wealth of information in this essay it still can and should be written well and flow fluently from source to source.
Question: How can you go about refining your topic?
We then get to see an example of a Historiographic Essay. From looking the essay over I can say the one of the most important gramatical aspects of this assignment is the ability to smoothly transition from one authors findings to the next. In this essay, the author organized his sources by the years they were written. For example, after he speaks about one source his transition to the next source is along the lines of "written later on in the same year." I think its important to keep in mind that even though there is a wealth of information in this essay it still can and should be written well and flow fluently from source to source.
Question: How can you go about refining your topic?
Brundage Chapter 4
Critical reading is hard to do right but when you do it becomes immensely helpful in all the schoolwork you do. As a critical reader you have to do a lot to prepare yourself before you even begin to read. Reading up about the author can help us learn a lot about the piece we're about to read before we even open it. If we learn about the author's different biases, political/religious affiliations, traumatic live events, etc. we can begin to interpret what his writing is going to be about.
Brundage also stresses the importance of comparing different texts. Comparing different books to one another allows us to piece together the information the authors share and the information that both authors leave out or is different. Like Brundage points out, one of the easiest comparisons to do is by the titles of two different books. The titles themselves can tell so much about an author's perspective and we don't even need to do any reading.
Questions: Does every piece of historical writing contain even the slightest amount of bias? Why or why not?
What steps can you take as a historian to be as least biased as possible when writing?
Brundage also stresses the importance of comparing different texts. Comparing different books to one another allows us to piece together the information the authors share and the information that both authors leave out or is different. Like Brundage points out, one of the easiest comparisons to do is by the titles of two different books. The titles themselves can tell so much about an author's perspective and we don't even need to do any reading.
Questions: Does every piece of historical writing contain even the slightest amount of bias? Why or why not?
What steps can you take as a historian to be as least biased as possible when writing?
Brundage Chapter 3
In this chapter, Brundage goes into the importance of using library catalogues in order to find credible sources in a wide variety of different mediums. Its funny how many of my teachers used to stress this all throughout high school but I never really began to utilize this until college. Its amazing the books, articles, movies, etc. you can get your hands on by using the library catalogues. One of the more important points Brundage makes is about having the right topic before you begin your research. Like he says, searching for 19th century imperialism is going to bring back hundreds of different results, its way too broad. However, if you go into your research with a refined topic that gets you only maybe 20 results, you are so much better off.
Later on in the chapter Brundage talks about keeping a running bibliography going with flash cards. That way, no matter where you go to for your homework or research you will always have your sources and a way to find them. Its much better than trying to keep track of the title and author of every single source you come across. Also, I think this idea is such a useful one because on each card you can write a little bit about the source. So when you look at each card you can see exactly what you plan on using that source for.
Questions: What are some ways you can use an online library database to refine your topic?
Later on in the chapter Brundage talks about keeping a running bibliography going with flash cards. That way, no matter where you go to for your homework or research you will always have your sources and a way to find them. Its much better than trying to keep track of the title and author of every single source you come across. Also, I think this idea is such a useful one because on each card you can write a little bit about the source. So when you look at each card you can see exactly what you plan on using that source for.
Questions: What are some ways you can use an online library database to refine your topic?
Brundage Chapter 1
A common misconception that many people seem to have is the idea that History is something that doesn't change and can only be studied as a series of different events, people, places, etc. However, Brundage provides an extremely interesting argument for those people. It is his feeling that history is constantly changing and evolving because different Historians are causing it to. For example, although we all have a decent understanding of what happened during the Holocaust, all it takes is another Historian to analyze the Holocaust from a different perspective and then the history of the Holocaust "changes."
It is also important to note that every historian looks at history in their own ways. To stick with the Holocaust theme; there are countless reports, articles, books, etc. written about the event, but that doesn't mean they are going to offer up the same information to the reader. One perspective could be the narrative, which we spoke about in class a little bit, where a history writes about what happened in more of a story while another historian focuses in on the social aspect of the Holocaust and how the prisoners of the camps and the SS interacted. Both historians are writing about the same topic, but the reader is going to come away with much different information because of their unique perspectives.
Question: If ancient historians, and I mean all the way back to Pharaohs and pyramids, had access to the technology we do today, how would history be different?
It is also important to note that every historian looks at history in their own ways. To stick with the Holocaust theme; there are countless reports, articles, books, etc. written about the event, but that doesn't mean they are going to offer up the same information to the reader. One perspective could be the narrative, which we spoke about in class a little bit, where a history writes about what happened in more of a story while another historian focuses in on the social aspect of the Holocaust and how the prisoners of the camps and the SS interacted. Both historians are writing about the same topic, but the reader is going to come away with much different information because of their unique perspectives.
Question: If ancient historians, and I mean all the way back to Pharaohs and pyramids, had access to the technology we do today, how would history be different?
Brundage Chapter 5
In chapter 5, Brundage explains how to begin work on a Historiographic essay. To begin, students must choose a topic and refine that topic to a point in which it is not too broad and not too narrow. To do this students should narrow their scope to specific time periods, localities and biographically. Students should also try to seek alternatives to topics that are considered "famous."
The next step is for students to begin their research on the topic. In searching for sources, students should try to find as many interpretations of the given topic and note that sources for this type of essay require secondary sources. Note taking is a key component to organizing various information that you have received from your sources. This is typically done on index cards and allows the student to have the information right at hand as they create their essay.
How do you know if you have refined your topic to the point in which it is not too broad or too narrow?
What do you do if you are having a difficult time finding a variety of views in your topic sources?
The next step is for students to begin their research on the topic. In searching for sources, students should try to find as many interpretations of the given topic and note that sources for this type of essay require secondary sources. Note taking is a key component to organizing various information that you have received from your sources. This is typically done on index cards and allows the student to have the information right at hand as they create their essay.
How do you know if you have refined your topic to the point in which it is not too broad or too narrow?
What do you do if you are having a difficult time finding a variety of views in your topic sources?
Brundage Chapter 4
In order to become a critical reader you must explore beyond the books actual chapters. One important way to do this is to get to know the books author. Usually, information about a books author can be found in the book itself. In order to fully understand what the author is trying to coney, you must understand the why and how in which he author is presenting their work.
Another crucial element in reading critically is the ability to compare and contrast texts that are near identical to each other. A great example of this is two texts, with the very same topic, which are written during two different times. This will allow the reader to see how new information plays a role on a particular topic and what may not change at all.
What other steps can be taken to become a more critical reader?
What are some of the signs that an author is bias?
Another crucial element in reading critically is the ability to compare and contrast texts that are near identical to each other. A great example of this is two texts, with the very same topic, which are written during two different times. This will allow the reader to see how new information plays a role on a particular topic and what may not change at all.
What other steps can be taken to become a more critical reader?
What are some of the signs that an author is bias?
Brundage Chapter 3
Students have a variety of ways in which to seek their sources. The most beneficial is the library. Here, students can use the OPAC electronic filing system to locate works relevant to their topic. When sources have been acquired, it is imperative that students maintain a working bibliography of their sources.
Databases such as JSTOR and WilsonWeb are also among the list of Brundage's valuable resources. Here, researchers can find scholarly journals and articles related to their topic. The internet itself also contains a wealth of information however, researchers must be cautious as to what is returned within the search results and try to critically assess the websites description.
How can students tell if a website that they have encountered contains viable information?
There are a variety of ways to search OPAC for materials related to a topic. What are some of the most effective ways to make sure that you don't "stray" from what you are looking for?
Databases such as JSTOR and WilsonWeb are also among the list of Brundage's valuable resources. Here, researchers can find scholarly journals and articles related to their topic. The internet itself also contains a wealth of information however, researchers must be cautious as to what is returned within the search results and try to critically assess the websites description.
How can students tell if a website that they have encountered contains viable information?
There are a variety of ways to search OPAC for materials related to a topic. What are some of the most effective ways to make sure that you don't "stray" from what you are looking for?
Brundage Chapter 1
It is highly thought that history has always ben a series of static, unchangeable events in time which are largely political and military based. Brundage explains that history is actually ever changing depending on the various views that historians chose to analyze. Malthus and Marx opened the door to new ways of thinking of the past, to not just explore political and military history, but to also explore society itself.
With this drive to examine society and it's people, two schools of thought emerged, the Annales School and Cliometrics. Established in 1929 in France, the Annales School's ideology is to look at societies ways of life over time as opposed to traditional events. Cliometrics ideology includes looking for historical patterns in society over time, particularly economic history.
How has the study of history changed over time?
As History students, how do these varying approaches to history effect our work?
With this drive to examine society and it's people, two schools of thought emerged, the Annales School and Cliometrics. Established in 1929 in France, the Annales School's ideology is to look at societies ways of life over time as opposed to traditional events. Cliometrics ideology includes looking for historical patterns in society over time, particularly economic history.
How has the study of history changed over time?
As History students, how do these varying approaches to history effect our work?
Friday, May 24, 2013
Going to the Sources Chapter 4
I believe a lot of emphasis should be placed on finding a source from different time periods. As in chapter four, Brundage talks about two books on the same topic: Washington D.C. during the Civil War. He talks about Margaret Leech's book Reveille in Washington and Ernest B. Fergurson's Freedom Rising: Washington in the Civil War. Brundage points out the difference between the two books, from their titles to who each writer wrote about. He points out that Leech's book was written in the middle of World War Two and many elements were influence by the war. Fergurson on the other hand wrote in depth on the African American perspective and the leading abolitionists at the time. Brundage points out that the African American articles and monographs were not available to Leech at the time of her writing her book. So I believe an enormous amount of emphasis should be put on finding resources and books because you can find out what type of materials a writer in the fifties had compared to a writer in the 21st century.
Looking at writers from varying backgrounds allow readers and researchers to discover a certain writers prejudice and own opinions about the topic. We should also look at authors with familiar connections. I believe it is a double edge sword; we want to have the truth and no biases but we also want some sort of familiarity and connection to what we read. I believe it is as important to read about a German's historical thought on World War Two as well as a Jewish German historical thoughts on the war. Historians benefit from these two different thoughts because it gives them two perspectives and the historian can weave out the right and the wrong. But my problem is that do historians have to have a connection to a topic based on family or ethnic background or can they find a topic interesting just because they are curious? Can I study African American history the same way an African American does?
Looking at writers from varying backgrounds allow readers and researchers to discover a certain writers prejudice and own opinions about the topic. We should also look at authors with familiar connections. I believe it is a double edge sword; we want to have the truth and no biases but we also want some sort of familiarity and connection to what we read. I believe it is as important to read about a German's historical thought on World War Two as well as a Jewish German historical thoughts on the war. Historians benefit from these two different thoughts because it gives them two perspectives and the historian can weave out the right and the wrong. But my problem is that do historians have to have a connection to a topic based on family or ethnic background or can they find a topic interesting just because they are curious? Can I study African American history the same way an African American does?
Going to the Sources Chapter 3
I believe that references from the past can be better than references today. Older references can be useful for giving historians a glimpse not only the time period the reference is from but how society was and how people were viewed. For example if you look at a reference from the Jim Crow era, there might be social norms and words that offend us today but they shaped the historians back then. Older material is useful because we have so much new information that it is good for students and historians to get a glimpse of the past from another perspective. I believe older materials are better because now a days, people can get new information in a book store or off the internet. But the best stuff is found in libraries or scholarly websites. Although new information is always being talked about, it is the older materials that give students and historians a perspective they might have thought they could not discover.
Brundage's suggestion to start your research not on the internet but a print database I believe is not accurate. Print databases now a days have their resources on online websites like JSTOR and other scholarly base websites. Perhaps Brundage is a little bit old school, but you can easily find a publication on a website like JSTOR. He might be right that the print database is larger, like I said you can easily attain any print article online. A researcher can type in a keyword on JSTOR and a thousand articles show up. I feel that Brundage makes a good point to start with a print database, but I believe you can start with an online database.
Brundage's suggestion to start your research not on the internet but a print database I believe is not accurate. Print databases now a days have their resources on online websites like JSTOR and other scholarly base websites. Perhaps Brundage is a little bit old school, but you can easily find a publication on a website like JSTOR. He might be right that the print database is larger, like I said you can easily attain any print article online. A researcher can type in a keyword on JSTOR and a thousand articles show up. I feel that Brundage makes a good point to start with a print database, but I believe you can start with an online database.
Going to the Sources Chapter 1.
In chapter 1, Brundage points out the different areas of history and sub-genres. He makes it clear that historians often look at history differently if they are in a dynamic period of time. For example, Karl Marx was influenced by social conditions of the times. But Brundage says that Marx's idea was not to write a piece of history but a manifesto. I think that history should be influence by the current technology and trends that are available. But I think there should be a fine line. I think if history gets boggled down by the technology, history becomes a sort of relic of the past. It is important for historians to revisit history, but also to embrace new technology. Unfortunately the old history is less likely to be considered history. Society changes and so does society's way of perceiving the past.
You can tell what style of history a historian uses by first studying the topic or topics that historian is writing about. For example, in chapter one, Brundage points to the historian John Richard Green and his book A Short History of the English People. In the preface of his book, Green says he is paying more attention more to the people rather than the nobles and diplomacy. W.E.B Dubois wrote about African-American history and women historians have been prevalent the past few decades. Fernand Braudel wrote a piece called The Mediterranean and The Mediterranean World in the Age of Phillip II. What Brundage points out that Braudel sets the history not in a well known historical dynasty, but in the Mediterranean. I believe you can tell the sort of history a historian writes about by analyzing the topic and the approach they go about it.
You can tell what style of history a historian uses by first studying the topic or topics that historian is writing about. For example, in chapter one, Brundage points to the historian John Richard Green and his book A Short History of the English People. In the preface of his book, Green says he is paying more attention more to the people rather than the nobles and diplomacy. W.E.B Dubois wrote about African-American history and women historians have been prevalent the past few decades. Fernand Braudel wrote a piece called The Mediterranean and The Mediterranean World in the Age of Phillip II. What Brundage points out that Braudel sets the history not in a well known historical dynasty, but in the Mediterranean. I believe you can tell the sort of history a historian writes about by analyzing the topic and the approach they go about it.
Going to the Sources - Chapter 5
In Chapter 5 of Going to the Sources, Brundage looks at the narrower meaning of historiography, which is to provide the reader with a sense of how a topic has been approached by different scholars. Brundage further explains the process for searching for books on a topic and gives some pointers on how to manage the list of sources, the first of which is to be sure only secondary sources are considered. The purpose of the essay is to give an account of how historians have written about the topic.
The majority of the chapter is an example of an essay on Lewis and Clark. Brundage indicates where transitions are made between different works on the topic and different approaches to telling the story. For instance, Sacagawea's story didn't come into focus until the 1970s which coincides with womens history as an emerging area of study.
Question 1
Endnotes versus footnotes? I am not familiar with endnotes.
Question 2
This is the second instance where Brundage suggests using index cards for note taking versus entering notes on your computer. Is this really a better way?
The majority of the chapter is an example of an essay on Lewis and Clark. Brundage indicates where transitions are made between different works on the topic and different approaches to telling the story. For instance, Sacagawea's story didn't come into focus until the 1970s which coincides with womens history as an emerging area of study.
Question 1
Endnotes versus footnotes? I am not familiar with endnotes.
Question 2
This is the second instance where Brundage suggests using index cards for note taking versus entering notes on your computer. Is this really a better way?
Going to the Sources - Chapter 4
In Chapter 4, "Getting the Most Out of History Books: Critical Reading and Assessment" Brundage describes how to "get a handle" on a history book. He explains that history is a reading-intensive discipline, and that without getting a grasp of what a book is about before reading it is sort of like going on a road trip without consulting a map first.
Brundage describes the process of "x-raying" a book whereby the reader should review the title and subtitle, the table of contents and the biographical information of the author. While some biographical information on the author can be found in the book, an on-line search is also recommended.
Comparing books on the same topic will reveal that when a book is written is a crtical element. Brundage states that "books are products of the time and place in which they are written" and that "reading both older and newer works on the same subject reveals how historiography evolves over time".
Question 1
How much emphasis should be placed on finding book or sources that are published in various time periods?
Question 2
Should we look for authors with varying backgrounds? For example, should we look for authors with a familial connection to the subject as well as ones that have no connection?
Brundage describes the process of "x-raying" a book whereby the reader should review the title and subtitle, the table of contents and the biographical information of the author. While some biographical information on the author can be found in the book, an on-line search is also recommended.
Comparing books on the same topic will reveal that when a book is written is a crtical element. Brundage states that "books are products of the time and place in which they are written" and that "reading both older and newer works on the same subject reveals how historiography evolves over time".
Question 1
How much emphasis should be placed on finding book or sources that are published in various time periods?
Question 2
Should we look for authors with varying backgrounds? For example, should we look for authors with a familial connection to the subject as well as ones that have no connection?
Thursday, May 23, 2013
Going to the Sources - Chapter 3
In Chapter 3, Brundage describes in detail the resources available at the library. Topic selection is critical. To help identify subject headings to search, consult the Library of Congress Subject Headings. Your subject headings list will continue to evolve as you begin your research. A search can also be done by title and keywords.
The chapter also provides instructions on how to create and build a bibliography. Published bibliographies can be found on the internet or by referencing Bibliographies of Bibliographies. Periodical literature should not be overlooked and this research can be done on-line through JSTOR. Other databases are available, such as World Cat and Article First.
Question 1
How far back should a topic be researched? Are modern references better than older ones?
Question 2
Brundage suggests not starting research on the internet because the print database is larger than the internet database. Is this statement still accurate?
The chapter also provides instructions on how to create and build a bibliography. Published bibliographies can be found on the internet or by referencing Bibliographies of Bibliographies. Periodical literature should not be overlooked and this research can be done on-line through JSTOR. Other databases are available, such as World Cat and Article First.
Question 1
How far back should a topic be researched? Are modern references better than older ones?
Question 2
Brundage suggests not starting research on the internet because the print database is larger than the internet database. Is this statement still accurate?
Wednesday, May 22, 2013
Going to the Sources - Chapter 1
In Chapter 1 of Going to the Sources, Brundage explains to the reader that history is not a passive discipline. The problem, he says, is that history has been presented as a story with a fixed plot and cast of characters. Brundage goes on to explain that history is a dynamic process. Brundage explains that different historians or groups of historians present different views of the past.
For example, Revisionism is when an historian challenges an established way of interpreting the past. It suggests that as society changes, so too should our views of the past. Brundage explains how historians such as John Richard Green have changed the focus of history and turned the spotlight oaway from the elities and towards everyday people. In addition, the history of women and minorities are new areas of study. The Annales School focuses on social studies, and Cliometrics requires quantifiable data. Psychohistorians search for feelings as well as facts. Microhistory, macrohistory and postmodernism are all new and different ways of approaching history.
Question 1
Under the idea of Revisionism, does it mean that we should change history to suit our modern views? And what would happen to the "old" history? Does it become history?
Question 2
How can you tell which style of history an historian is using?
For example, Revisionism is when an historian challenges an established way of interpreting the past. It suggests that as society changes, so too should our views of the past. Brundage explains how historians such as John Richard Green have changed the focus of history and turned the spotlight oaway from the elities and towards everyday people. In addition, the history of women and minorities are new areas of study. The Annales School focuses on social studies, and Cliometrics requires quantifiable data. Psychohistorians search for feelings as well as facts. Microhistory, macrohistory and postmodernism are all new and different ways of approaching history.
Question 1
Under the idea of Revisionism, does it mean that we should change history to suit our modern views? And what would happen to the "old" history? Does it become history?
Question 2
How can you tell which style of history an historian is using?
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