assignment 3

reflect a bit on the readings and discussion on the role of interpretation and perspective in the making of history. I think most of us start in school from the notion that history is about facts and data. Our readings, however, have suggested that facts alone "deprive human existence of all significance," which may be reflected in the disinterest of our audience.
Foner says that all history is contemporary and that history changes. Becker discusses the need to shuffle and select material. Jensen argues that interpretation and meaning is essential. Zinn promotes meaning and relevance in our teaching.
What do you think? Take a few minutes to review the texts. Find a quote [relevant, interesting, troublesome, something you agree with, dont agree with] from the readings as a way to begin a discussion on interpretation and perspective. {some things to consider may be What do you think is the role of interpretation in the making of history? Why? Have your ideas on the nature and function of history change? on the job of historian?} Take care to refer to the texts in your discussion.



I have to agree with Zinn's view on having meaningful teaching and relevance within history. Zinn argued that we should encourage students to get into history and actually get something out of it. The role of interpretation is very crucial, depending on how the subject is approached. For example, Christopher Columbus' story can be told in many different ways. You can tell the story of his "discovery" of America, or you can tell the story of his invasion of Native territory and mass genocide. The role of interpretation is just as how Crystal stated in her blog, " The role of interpretation and perspective is clear in the making of history and I feel as though as historians we must acknowledge this belief in order to make an arguement of the usefulness of history." If we do not make things clear it is much harder to understand. If it cannot be understood it can not be useful, and if its not useful then why study history right?