Republic of the Philippines

City of Olongapo
GORDON COLLEGE
Olongapo City Sports Complex, East Tapinac, Olongapo City
Tel. No. (047) 224-2089 loc. 314

Title: Sources and Criticisms of Historical Data

Module No. 2
I. Introduction
This module presents the sources of Historical Data, the written and non-
written sources of information or data. It discusses historical criticisms, namely
external and internal criticisms. The important aspects in ascertaining the authenticity
and reliability of primary sources upon which narratives are crafted.
II. Learning Objectives
After studying this module, you should be able to:
a. Determine the Sources of Historical Data
b. Explain how important Criticism in writing the Historical Data.
c. Master the lessons in Module 1 and Module 2.

III. Topics and Key Concepts

Historical Data
Historical data is the data collected about past events and
circumstances that pertains to a particular subject. These are sourced from
artifacts that have been left by the past. These artifacts can either be relics or
remains, or the testimonies of witnesses of the past. This are also the materials
from which the historians construct meaning. There are two types of Sources in
History.
A. Written Sources – Are sources that usually in written form. It has three
categories
a. Narrative or Literature – These sources are chronicles or tracts
presented in a narrative form, it tells a story or narrates the story of the
events. E.g Diary, newspaper etc.

b. Diplomatic Sources – are understood to be those documents/records

of an existing legal situation or create a new one. This source is also
called as legal documents. Eg. Laws, Memorandums, Executive
orders, etc

c. Social Documents – this are information pertaining to economic,

social, political or judicial significance. E.g Research findings,
Records of census, civil registry, etc.

B. Non-Written Sources – Sources that are not in written form.

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 a. Material Evidence – this is also known as archeological evidence.
These artifacts can tell a great deal about the ways of life people in the
past, and their culture. E.g swords, relics, bones, etc.

b. Oral Evidence – sources that are transmitted orally. Eg. Tales, folk
songs, interviews. Etc.
There are two general kinds of Historical sources.
A. Primary Sources – are original sources, the first-hand information. The first-
hand account of an event or period that are usually written or made
during/close to the event or period. Eg. Diaries, journals, maps, speeches, etc.

B. Secondary Sources – Are materials made by people long after the events
being described had taken place to provide valuable interpretations of
historical events. These are interpreted information also known as second
hand information. Eg Research papers, Articles, Editorials, etc.

Historical Criticisms
Many documents have primary and secondary segments. For instance,
examining a newspaper as a historical source entails a discerning mind to identify its
primary and secondary components. A news item written by a witness of an event is
considered as a primary source, while a feature article is usually considered as a
secondary material. Similarly, a book published a long time ago does not necessarily
render it as a primary source. It requires reading of the document to know its origin.

To ascertain the authenticity and reliability of primary sources to be used in

crafting a narrative, a historian needs to employ two levels of historical criticism,
namely external criticism and internal criticism.

a. External criticism – answers concerns and questions pertinent to the authenticity

of a historical source by identifying who composed the historical material, locating
when and where the historical material was produced, and establishing the material’s
evidential value

b. Internal criticism – deals with the credibility and reliability of the content of a
given historical source. It focuses on understanding the substances and message that
the historical material wants to convey by examining how the author framed the intent
and meaning of a composed material.
 IV. Teaching and Learning Materials and Resources
Notebooks, Pen, Laptop / Cellphone, and Internet/Data.
V. Learning Task
Quiz.
A. Answer the following questions write the answer before the number.
1. The practice of Historical Writing.
2. The Greek word of History.
3. The meaning of the Greek word History.
4.
5. Three Aims of Verisimilitude.
6.
7. History that presents the readers plain and basic information
8. History that goes beyond facts
9. The process of critically examining and analysing the records of the
past.
10. Who is the writers of history?
11. The Four steps of
12. Historical Analysis.
13.
14.
15. The reason why historical knowledge has limitations.

B. Identify the following if it is written or not-written. Put a Circle O if its

Primary source, and put a square if it is Secondary Source.
1. Journal 6. Books
2. Bible 7. Wheel
3. Flag 8. Biography
4. Relics 9. Auto Biography
5. Bones 10. Songs
C. Essay.
1. Does criticism helps the historical data in preserving the authenticity of
the information? Yes or no? Why and How? (5pts)

VI. Reference
Ligan, et al., (2018). Readings in the Philippine History, Mutya Publishing, Inc.
 Reflection part

What are your reflections on this module?

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