The Work of the Historian

What Do Historians Do?

• Investigate the past through studying sources, which become evidence to support their interpretation

• Historians are focused on primary sources which are those made those close in time and space to the events we want to know about

• Historians also use the interpretations of others, these are called secondary sources

Types of Primary (1o)Sources

• Archaeological

• Written

Many Types of Written Sources

• Books• Newspaper Articles• Laws• Reports• Carvings• Letters• Diaries• Interviews

Secondary (2o) Sources

Opinions and interpretations written after the time of the events you are studyingE.g.• Books• Newspaper Articles• Textbooks• Documentaries

Questions Asked by Historians

5 Ws• Who? • What?• When?• Where?• Why?

OMAD• Origin?• Motive?• Audience?• Date?

MMMPPPMaterial?Manufacture (how was it made?Main user?Purpose?Preservation?Points to…?