HIS 100 8-1 Discussion: Making Connections

Introduction to HIS 100 8-1 Discussion

This is the last task for the HIS 100 course. In this discussion post, we will reflect on our experiences conducting historical research and connecting the past with the present. This Owlisdom How-To guide will help you leverage course insights and skills for your future career, mainly focusing on the importance of historical research.

There are two parts to the HIS 100 8-1 Discussion: Making Connections. First, we have to examine the beliefs and assumptions of historical research. Then, we need to respond to peers’ queries by keeping what we learned during this course in mind.

How has examining your beliefs, assumptions, and values related to your historical and current events impacted how you process information in your daily life? For example, consider claims made by politicians, news headlines, celebrity tweets, or articles shared by your family on social media.

Initial Post

In this initial post of the HIS 100 8-1 Discussion: Making Connections, we will explore how to examine our beliefs, assumptions, and values related to historical and current events. We will also discuss changes in how we apply historical inquiry skills.

Examining Beliefs, Assumptions, and Values:

• Reflect on a recent moment when a piece of news, a social media post, or a political claim made you pause and think. Consider how your understanding of history influenced your reaction or interpretation.
• Share an example of when recognizing your biases helped you better understand a current event or a historical fact. This could be realized by realizing how historical narratives are shaped by those who write them or by noticing similarities between past and current events.
• Discuss how this awareness has changed how you consume information, whether it is questioning the source of a news article or analyzing the context behind a tweet.

What changes, big or small, have occurred in how you apply historical inquiry skills to classes, your personal life, and your career?

Applying Historical Inquiry Skills:

• Provide a specific instance from your classes, personal life, or career where historical inquiry skills came into play. For example, maybe you used critical thinking to analyze a work project or applied knowledge of historical events to understand a family member’s viewpoint.
• Describe any changes in how you approach problems or discussions, no matter how small. It could be as simple as being more curious about the “why” behind events or as significant as altering your approach to research and evidence gathering.

Example

Recently, a news story about environmental protests made me pause. Reflecting on my history lessons, I realized the parallels between these protests and past movements for change. It struck me how history is a cycle, with today’s activists mirroring the persistence and passion of those from decades ago. This realization made me more sympathetic towards the protesters’ cause, understanding it as part of a larger historical context of advocacy and resistance.

Acknowledging my biases was eye-opening, particularly in how I view political news. I tended to agree with sources that aligned with my preconceptions automatically. Recognizing this, I have started critically evaluating information, checking multiple sources, and considering the writer’s perspective before forming an opinion. This approach has made me more discerning and less prone to jumping to conclusions.

In my sociology class, we discussed racial inequality, and I applied historical inquiry skills to analyze the systemic roots of this issue. This approach has changed how I tackle discussions, making me more inclined to explore the historical context of a problem rather than just its surface details. It has led to a deeper understanding and more nuanced conversations with peers and family.

Response Posts

As mentioned and discussed in previous discussion posts of HIS 100, engaging with and answering peers’ queries is essential. Do not forget you must provide two or more peers’ responses for the HIS 100 8-1 Discussion: Making Connections. I have solved one for reference. 

Perspectives from Peers:

After reading your peers’ posts, identify a perspective or insight that was new to you. Perhaps a classmate highlighted an aspect of historical bias you had not considered or shared a personal anecdote that broadened your understanding of a topic.

Reflect on how this new perspective challenges or enriches your views. Acknowledge the value of diverse viewpoints in deepening your historical understanding.

Additional Applications of Historical Inquiry Skills:

Suggest ways your peers can further apply their historical inquiry skills in various aspects of their lives. This could involve strategies for navigating misinformation online, fostering empathy by understanding historical contexts in interpersonal relationships or applying lessons from history to advocate for change in their communities.

Encourage exploration beyond traditional academic or historical settings, highlighting how these skills are versatile and applicable in everyday decision-making, critical thinking, and problem-solving.

Example

Your post about the role of historical bias opened my eyes to something I had not fully considered before. The idea that our understanding of history can be so heavily influenced by who is telling the story and what narratives they emphasize is fascinating and unsettling. It has made me rethink how I approach historical information and the importance of seeking out diverse sources to get a fuller picture.

This insight has enriched my views, making me more aware of the biases in my consumption of historical narratives. It challenges me to accept information passively and actively question and explore the complexities behind the events and figures we study. Recognizing the existence of these biases is a crucial step in deepening our historical understanding and encourages a more nuanced engagement with the past.

Regarding applying historical inquiry skills more broadly, your point about using these skills to navigate misinformation online resonates with me. It is a practical application that is incredibly relevant in today’s digital age. Additionally, there is immense value in applying our understanding of historical context to foster empathy and advocate for social change. History is not just about the past; it is a lens through which we can address current issues and shape the future. Your post has inspired me to be a more critical thinker and consider how I can use historical insights to impact my community positively.

Closing

Your journey in “Perspectives of History” may end, but the skills and insights you have gained are just the beginning. The HIS 100 8-1 Discussion: Making Connections post reflects your growth and is a stepping stone for future learning and application. Embrace the challenge, share your experiences, and continue to engage with history in a way that enriches your life and those around you. Remember, history is not just about the past; it’s a lens through which we can view and improve our present and future.