# Historiography and Its Concepts
## Concepts
### Historiography
Historiography refers to the study of the methods and principles through which history is researched and written. It encompasses the various interpretations and narratives that historians construct about the past. Historiography also involves examining the sources, techniques, and theoretical frameworks historians use, as well as how these have evolved over time. In essence, historiography is not just about understanding what happened in the past, but also about understanding how our interpretations of the past are formed and changed.
### Ideological History
Ideological history is a type of historical writing that is influenced by the author’s political, social, or cultural beliefs. This form of history often aims to support a particular viewpoint or agenda, shaping the interpretation of events to align with specific ideological positions. While all history writing can be influenced by the historian’s perspectives, ideological history is more explicitly driven by a desire to promote or justify certain ideologies. It can be useful for understanding how historical narratives are constructed to serve contemporary purposes, but it also requires careful analysis to separate fact from bias.
### National History
National history focuses on the history of a particular nation or country. It often emphasizes the development of national identity, key events, and figures that have shaped the nation’s trajectory. This type of history is typically written with an aim to foster a sense of pride, unity, or understanding among the people of that nation. National histories can sometimes gloss over negative aspects or controversial events to create a more cohesive and positive narrative. Understanding national history involves recognizing both the achievements and the darker chapters of a nation’s past.
### Distant Voices
Distant voices refer to historical accounts or perspectives from groups or individuals who were marginalized or less powerful in their own times. These voices are often underrepresented or overlooked in traditional historical narratives, which tend to focus on dominant groups or major figures. Recovering distant voices involves examining sources such as letters, diaries, oral histories, and other records that can provide insights into the experiences and viewpoints of those who were not in positions of power. This approach enriches our understanding of history by offering a more diverse and inclusive perspective.
### Historical Style
Historical style refers to the way historians present their narratives, including the writing techniques, tone, and structure they use. Different historians adopt different styles depending on their audience, purpose, and the conventions of their time. Some historical styles are more analytical and focused on presenting arguments and evidence, while others might be more narrative and descriptive, aiming to tell a compelling story. The style of a historical work can significantly influence how it is perceived and understood by readers.
## Questions
### Does the age or personal profile of the historian affect his or her analysis of the past?
The age or personal profile of a historian can indeed affect their analysis of the past. Historians bring their own experiences, perspectives, and biases to their work, which can shape how they interpret historical events. For instance, a historian’s cultural background, political beliefs, gender, and even the era they live in can influence which aspects of history they emphasize and how they understand historical causality and significance. While rigorous methodology and peer review aim to minimize subjective bias, complete objectivity is challenging to achieve. Awareness of a historian’s personal profile can provide valuable context for critically engaging with their work.
### Suppose a journalist chooses to research and write an account of a historical event or period that he or she saw and chronicled for newspapers and magazines. Does the author automatically become a historian?
A journalist who researches and writes an account of a historical event does not automatically become a historian. While both journalists and historians document events, the methodologies and aims of their work can differ significantly. Journalists typically focus on providing timely, factual accounts of current events for immediate public consumption, often with a focus on narrative and accessibility. Historians, on the other hand, engage in in-depth research, critical analysis, and contextualization of events within broader historical frameworks. For a journalist to be considered a historian, they would need to adopt historical methodologies, engage with existing historiography, and contribute original insights to the academic study of history. Nonetheless, journalists’ accounts can be valuable primary sources for historical research.
### References
Bartlett, K. (2017). *The experience of history: An introduction to history*. John Wiley & Sons.
(Note: For the sake of this exercise, the academic source included in the instructions is referenced. Additional sources would be included for a complete assignment, following APA formatting.)
Historiography
Instructions: Read chapter 2: The historian, not the history. Bartlett, K. (2017). The experience of history: An introduction to history. John Wiley & Sons. Click here to access the book.
1. Explain the concepts:
· historiography
· ideological history
· national history
· distant voices
· historical style
2. Answer the questions:
· Does the age or personal profile of the historian affect his or her analysis of the past?
· Suppose a journalist chooses to research and write an account of a historical event or period that he or she saw and chronicled for newspapers and magazines. Does the author automatically become a historian?
Contribute a minimum of 2 pages. It should include at least 1 academic source, formatted and cited in APA.
Be sure to review the academic expectations for your submission.
Submission Instructions:
· Submit your assignment by 11:59 PM Eastern on Sunday.
· Review the rubric to determine how your assignment will be graded.
· Your assignment will be run through TurnItIn to check for plagiarism.
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