Studying the History of the United States - Assignment Example

History and Political Science Studying the History the United s after the Civil War Questions to Answer 1 Why might studying History be important to you? Studying history is significant since it offers a way of understanding the way things are at the present. For instance, learners are able to understand occurrences in the present day through understanding of development of various institutions, social relationship and cultural values (Sweets 198). Moreover, study of history offers an initiative to have understanding of ideas regarding things in the present; thus, history becomes an integral part in people’s lives as they participate as American citizens. Furthermore, history is important to individuals and society given that it harbors the immense beauty of the world. Besides, through numerous ways, history is discussed in order to understand real functions of subjects; in fact, this based on the talents and paths towards understanding meaning of history. Therefore, various definitions in history are utilized to understand fundamental facts identified in the present world. History is also considered a laboratory, where data that was gathered during past event can be accessed, and this can be applied in the quest to understand complexity of occurrences in the present. For instance, history has been applied in understanding of complexity among different species and their behaviors in social settings. History is unavoidable and it offers all-embracing ground that is evidential based on analysis of different functions regarding specific people. Therefore, understanding history help in embracing and acknowledging simplicity of the way people live or coexist in the world. 2. What have been some important events in your personal history? Some of the most important events in my personal history regard to transitions from one way of life to another. For instance, moving out from home and living in order to earn a living and live independently. Though this was accompanied by challenges such as boredom due to change of environment, I was able to recover and proceed to live a good life. Besides, the day that I joined the university was a significant day that marked achievement of my academic objectives. Therefore, I consider my personal history to be important since it offers a basis of evaluation. Moreover, history helps me to determine the extent to which I have managed to achieve my personal objectives. I consider fundamental reasons of studying history to be based on diverse application of in my life. History serves a real purpose through its grounds based on human understanding of events in peoples’ lives. For instance, a story about a person’s live can be done in a way that reveals their functionalities and societies. In this way, history has prompted my thoughts regarding my experiences in life in terms of time and places. Therefore, my goals are sources of inspiration to make effort in reconstructing remote past, which is withdrawn from immediate present day utilization. To me, the encounters are very good as they nurtured my talent, hardened me to be able to handle challenging situation that do arise during my undertakings. This is because both positive and negative challenges we encounter offer an ample ground for learning various aspects of life interaction. 3. What do you know about your family’s history? I was unable to gather information regarding my ancestors due to lack of relevant sources of information. However, some of the relevant information concerning our family’s history regarded, where my parents lived after they got married and before I was born. I managed to access may family’s history of medical records, which indicated a number of significant issues; therefore, history has a great benefit in understanding various occurrences in the present. For instance, I wondered why I ended up to live in the neighborhood that I live in now; in fact, I realized that my ancestors were living in the same area. The historical information gathered can be very useful when undertaking medical examination as some health complication need information on family health history for proper diagnosis to be made. Questions to Answer 1.2 1. What is your understanding of how the PIE R/V historical method works? PIE R/V refers to an approach that is applied in structuring of themes of history, which is studied by historians. In this case, every letter is has a meaning, thereby making the word to be an abbreviation. In this case, the letter “P” stands for people, individuals or group; in this case, this element focuses on exploring issues regarding people such as presidents or ant-war protesters. The other element is “I” that represents institution, either private or public; in this case, this refers to government, churches or families. “E” as an element represents events, which occurred once or continuous; for instance, this could refer to events such as war or protest movements. The letter “R” represents the element that focuses on studying relationships among people and institutions, thereby seeking understanding of the way they behave or interact. Lastly, the element “V” focuses on exploring public or personal values; this case, this relates to customs or religious beliefs. 2. What is your understanding of how the SOAP historical method works? SOAP is a historical method applied in order to understand history through an exploration that is based on the initials involved; therefore, this word is an abbreviation that represents other elements. The letter “S” refers to the source from which information is gathered or obtained; in this case, this refers to determination of the author or the origin of the source. The other letter is “O” and it focuses on occasions; in fact, this explores the situations or surrounding of the source origin and distribution. Focusing on element “A,” historians are interested in understanding the audience; in this case, this refers to intended audience of the source. Lastly, the letter “P” refers to interest raised by historians on perception, whereby they seek to determine how well the authors and audience understand each other. Questions to Answer 1.3 1. What do you see as the relationship between learning history and understanding what you have learned? The process of learning occurs through accessibility of materials that are relevant to equip the learners with quality ideas and attitude towards research; therefore, learning involves a quest for knowledge in a field of study. In this case, learners understand antiquity through accessibility and research on various topics in historic material. On the other hand, understanding refers to articulation of ideas in the mind of the leader, however, learning forms the foundation of understanding ideas presented in various historic materials. Apparently, there is a gap between learning and understanding history; for instance, people who have understood whatever they have learned are in a position to derive other ideas from this understanding. Moreover, ideas that have been understood regarding the history can be applied in understanding other events in the present. Nonetheless, learning is considered the initial stage of understanding process since ideas has to be learnt before they are understood. Besides, people can learn without understanding; in this case, learning is a process that requires concentration in order to understand ideas presented through various historical materials. 2. What do you see as the relationship between understanding history and being able to interpret what you have understood? The knowledge we are usually exposed through usually determines the interpretation of various theories we come across. In this regard, we have gained the historical knowledge both formally and informally from our elders as through class lectures. In understanding different historical concepts, theoretical knowledge is very important in ensuring that we are able to analyze the issues at hand and make sound judgment. This avoid misinterpretation and thus a sound analysis are made by the involved parties. Works Cited Sweets, William. “The Philosophy of History: A Re-examination”. London: Ashgate Publishing, Ltd., 2004, Print. Read More