US History I challenge 1.

US History I challenge 1. Determine whether each statement about the historian's practice is "True" or "False". = Correct Answer = Incorrect Answer True False The lenses of race, class and gender apply only to the work of historians. Before responding to a source, it is important to evaluate where it came from. Critically analyzing a source can help you form a clear perspective. ANSWER RATIONALE Understanding and applying the lenses of race, class, and gender is one tool historians rely on to better understand multiple perspectives that are present in any historical event. However, this is not confined to history and application of these lenses can be useful in everyday life, such as when reading the newspaper, watching TV or understanding current events. Critical thinking is another important tool in the historian's toolbox. Critical thinking involves understanding the source of information including (but not limited to) who the author is, what their perspective is, consideration of bias, and whether the source is a primary or secondary source. Before responding to a source, it is important to understand these elements so that you can form an accurate and clear perspective. What is your role in this archaeological dig, and what is mine?” asked Tanya. Dr. Martin smiled. “Well, my job as an archaeologist is to examine artifacts left behind by ancient peoples in order to better understand how they lived, and your job as a historian is to study and interpret the past.” “On this particular dig,” he continued, “you’ll be my assistant. You’re accustomed to studying written documents, but as an archaeologist, you’ll be getting your hands dirty.” “I’m fine with that. Historians don’t mind getting their hands dirty," Tanya smiled. Choose the statement that most accurately represents the historian’s explanation of history. ANSWER RATIONALE The writing of history is a "never-ending process whereby people to seek to understand the past and its many meanings". Historians have a number of jobs, including remaining objective, collecting evidence such as names and dates, and building timelines of events to help them create historical narratives. However, the most important work a historian engages in is interpretation. Therefore, written history changes over time as historians approach their study of the past in different ways., especially since the way historians write history is influenced by their contemporary environment and by the work of historians who came before them. Tanya met with two graduate students to discuss their research projects.