Mohammed Boudiaf University of M’sila

Level : 3rd year LMD.

Teacher : Miss BAHACHE

Introduction to History

Definition :

History is the study of change over time, and it covers all aspects of human society. Political, social,
economic, scientific, technological, medical, cultural, intellectual, religious and military developments are
all part of history. Usually professional historians specialize in a particular aspect of history, a specific time
period, a certain approach to history or a specific geographic region.

The key concepts or big ideas in history

Authentic understanding in history comes from developing a grasp of the key concepts and
underlying key historical events, themes, and issues.

Significance

Historians weigh the importance, durability, and relevance of events, themes, and issues in the past
and the appropriateness of using the past to provide contemporary lessons; historians debate what is
historically significant and how and why the decisions about what is significant change.

Continuity and change

History examines change over time and continuity in times of change. Historians use chronology to
place these developments in context. Historians debate what has changed, what has remained the same, and
the impact of these changes.

Cause and effect

Historians investigate the reasons for and the results of events in history; they debate the causes of
past events and how these events affect people’s lives and communities. Historians study relationships
between events to identify pervasive themes, ideas, and movements, such as terrorism, revolution, and
migration.

Perspective

There are multiple perspectives on the past (both at the time and subsequently). Interpretations of the
past are contested – historians base their arguments on historical evidence and draw from a variety of
perspectives.

Branches of History

Here are the major branches of history:

 Political History: The history of political systems

 Social History: The history of people and societies
 Economic History: The history of the economies and economic processes
 Diplomatic History: The history of international relations
 Art History: The history of various forms of art
 Food History: The history of food cuisines
  History of Science and Medicine: The history of medical science
 Cultural History: The history of world cultures
 Women’s History: The history of feminism
 Intellectual History: The evolution of ideas and famous thinkers
 Environmental History: The history of our natural environment and its diverse components

Why Is It Important to Study History?

We study history because history doesn’t stay behind us. Studying history helps us understand how
events in the past made things the way they are today. With lessons from the past, we not only learn about
ourselves and how we came to be, but also develop the ability to avoid mistakes and create better paths for
our societies.

How does history impact our lives today?

Events in the past have displaced families and groups, changing the makeup of regions and often
causing tensions. Such events have also created government systems that have lasted generations beyond
when they started. And all of it affects each person alive today.

History is full of transitions that have altered the world’s story. When you build your knowledge of history,
you understand more about what created our present-day society.