CONTENT STATEMENT
- Historians and archaeologists describe historical events and issues from the perspectives of people living at the time to avoid evaluating the past in terms of today’s norms and values.
CONTENT ELABORATION
Development of historical thinking concepts began in earlier grades by having students look at primary source documents to understand that multiple sources and perspectives are needed to build a historical narrative.
Historians and archaeologists seek to provide an accurate account and assessment of a historical event. This requires them to avoid the influence of current norms and values in interpreting and evaluating the past. They generally attempt to describe events through the perspectives of those living at the time. As students examine a historian or archaeologist’s interpretation of an event, students should look to see how they meet this standard.
By having students critically evaluate diaries, letters, eyewitness accounts, archaeological artifacts and architecture of particular moments in time, they develop an understanding that history is interpreted. They also become active participants in historical investigation.
EXPECTATIONS FOR LEARNING
Describe historical events and issues from the perspectives of people living at the time, avoiding evaluating the past in terms of today’s norms and values.