History as AoK ToK 23rd Jan 2013

• Is there a single historical truth ?

• Why is history an important AoK ?

• Why are there competing versions of

history ?

Common Themes:

Sandra Bem (1984): Who are you ?

1. Name.

2. Gender.

3. Nationality.

Why worry about History ?

Defined by History ?

A" A people without History is like a

tree without roots"

Malcolm X

"History is written

by the victors"

Winston Churchill

"History defines who we are:

• as individuals

• as families.

• as communities.

• as nations.

By defining History we define a

person's self identity.

"his - story"

Hegel (1770-1831)

Japanese History TextBook

Controversy

Video....,

History as Public Relations

You are a Public Relations person for a

historical figure.

work in pairs.

Devise a 1-2 min presentation to 'relaunch' your

historical figure in a more positive light.

Acknowledge their weaknesses, and 'recast'

them as reactions to situations/events etc.

History TimeMachine

A stroke of fortune has struck you ! :)

You are the happy recipient of a Back to The

Future DeLorean (or Dr Who's Tardis time

machine).

work in pairs.

Identify which Historical Period / event you would

travel back to in order to clarify / improve the

historical record. Why would you go back to that

particular period/event ? what is the competing

evidence which needs clarifying etc ?

Historical Truth ?

You are now in-charge of the official recorded

history of the world thenceforth.

Work in pairs.

Devise a set of criteria by which you will judge

which historical records (from 2013 onwards)

are the most objective and therefore should

be placed in the historical record.