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?

assignment 2

Which of the many values and uses of history raised by Zinn, Becker and Stearns appeals the most to you? Consider this form your perspective as an individual and as a member of a larger society.



I believe the values that Zinn proposed were right on point. We cannot go without history. As teachers we need to give our students the facts, and approach them in a way that will not make the subject at hand bias or one sided. Students only go by what the teacher is telling them. Students don't overstress the point of coming to their own conclusion. Zinn states that we need to give both sides and let the students decide for themselves on how they feel. Zinn's article also points out that we mostly focus on things going on in the US only and not other countries. This isn't a bad thing but its not a good thing either. We need to know what is going on in order to not repeat the mistakes of others.

Becker is stating the facts we are our own historians. In order to move on from past to present and present to the future we need to have our foundation of history to fall back upon. Stearns brings up moral understanding. In his article he says “studying the stories of past individuals and situations allows a student of history to test his or her own moral sense” is crucial for a historian because history effects what happens to you as an individual as well as society as a whole.

all about Jas

Hi everyone!! welcome to my blog.

My name is Jasmine Scott and this is my 5th year at RIC. I'm studying Elementary Education with my minor in History. I'm 21 years old, and I live off campus with my fiance Leque (she's awesome by the way) our dog Capo'chino and my hamster Jules(Juicy for short). I work at Mcdonalds and at a nursing home. Last semester i worked at the Unity Center on campus and have to admit that 2 out of the 3 have been great jobs to me. i love to sing (even thought im not that great) and i love to dance and joke around. most people who know me would say im loud but loving, and always going out of my way. im always listening to music so if u pass me and i dont say anything that just means my headphones are in.

I am taking History 200 not only as a part of my minor but i'm hoping it will help me aquire a better understanding on looking deeper into information. i also hope to better organize my thoughts using our talking points. im not a fan on reading and reading history and expecting to know specific details with no instruction. i sometimes worry myself over history because i strive to do so well and it can backfire. but im very optimistic about this class and believe i am going to do well.

i work well in smaller groups that share the love of history. i believe it is a great way to share ideas and bounce them off of each other. you can never stop learning, and can learn new things from just listening. i think i like more of the military and
law sense of history. learning about how we created out laws, declaration of independence. i also love learning about the holocaust. it is my favorite topic in history. i can barely explain why but there is just something about that moment in time that captures my attention.

so thats me in a nutshell lol any ?'s just ask :)