Module in Gec 2-Readings in Philippine History: Julie F. Espinosa Gec 2 Instructor
Module in Gec 2-Readings in Philippine History: Julie F. Espinosa Gec 2 Instructor
Module in Gec 2-Readings in Philippine History: Julie F. Espinosa Gec 2 Instructor
GEC 2- READINGS IN
PHILIPPINE HISTORY
JULIE F. ESPINOSA
GEC 2 INSTRUCTOR
Table of Contents
Cover Page 1
Table of Contents 2
Module 1: (3hours)
Title: Learning History
Introduction:
This chapter exposes students to where our history comes from. It presents history as an
academic discipline. It discusses the definition, the importance of studying history.
History is defined and brought together by social scientists of many different interests
and specialties. History is not confined to the study of the past but, it is related to the past,
present, and future. It covers all aspects of human society. Political, social, economic, cultural,
scientific, technological, medical, and religious developments are all part of history. Every
happening has a specific context and it leads to specific effects. The present of today is going to
be the past of tomorrow. Today’s situation and current happenings are going to be the past
tomorrow. Yesterday has its influence on today on tomorrow. With these, history as a discipline
has already turned into a complex and dynamic inquiry.
Learning Outcomes:
Guide Questions:
1. What is your understanding of history? How is your view different from what is
explained in this lesson?
2. As a student of history, what do you think will be your duties?
3. Why is there a need to understand and realize the meaning and importance of history?
Learning Content:
What is History
History is . . . .
-a recitation of unrelated facts that do not contribute to a larger story
-a simple acceptance of what is written about a historical topic, event, or person
-a story of past events, traces of past conditions arranged in chronological order
-a guide for action in the present and for plans in the future
-a continuous and unending process of interaction between the historian and his facts, and
between the past and present
History Defined by E.H. Carr
It is the inquiry conducted by the historian and the series of past events into which he
inquires.
It is the continuous process of interaction between the historian and his facts, an
unending dialogue between the present and the past
It is what the historian makes
It is the re-enactment in the historian’s mind of the thought whose history he is
studying. – Collingwood
History is “a selective system” not only of cognitive, but of causal, orientations to
reality. - Parsons
Looking at the past teaches us to see the world through different eyes – appreciating the
diversity of human perceptions, beliefs and cultures. Different and/or new perspectives will
enable us to analyze critically the present contexts of our society.
1. To learn about the past.
History enables people to discover and learn about the challenges of people around
the world in different periods of time. The satisfaction you will gain from examining
these records is the initial reason for studying history.
2. To understand the present.
Links between the past and the present are all around us. The more knowledge we
gain of the past the more insights we have into the present. We can learn valuable
lessons from the past to help solve present problems.
3. To appreciate your heritage.
Understanding history will give us greater appreciation of our heritage. It helps us to
value these contributions that are foundation of our culture and tradition, and is the
foundation of our future generation.
4. To broaden your perspectives.
5. To acquire background for critical thinking and analysis.