Hey guys,
So I'm currently planning my practice essay for the
2016 HSC Exam and this is my essay plan so far:
1. The way evidence is used is dependent on the historian's personal context.
Source: ' ... evidence consists of those remains that historians use in making histories...' --> suggests how the interpretation and selection of evidence is dependent on the historian.
Examples:
Bede's 'The Ecclesiastical History of the English People' was heavily influenced by his upbringing in the monastery - 'history's is God's plan revealed.' --> reinforces the impact of context on the presentation of history since Bede wanted to present the right form of the Gospel --> can be viewed as Christian propaganda since Bede wanted his audience to convert
E.H. Carr: '... what the historian catches will depend, partly on chance; but mainly on what part of the ocean he chooses to fish in and what tackle he chooses to use- these two factors being, of course, determined by the kind of facts he wants.' --> reasserts the idea of context impacting the selection of evidence
(maybe throw in John Vincent here- depends how long my paragraph is at the moment)
2. There is an emergence in the different forms of evidence.
Source: '... the definition of evidence has expanded dramatically. From a heavy reliance on written documents, historians have graduated to a more latitudinarian approach that welcomes scientific data...' --> reinforces the wide variety of evidence that can be used.
Examples:
Ranke's empirical methods in studying history- write history 'as it happened.' --> traditional methodology
Contrast with graphical novel 'Maus'- Art Spiegelman used oral history (interviews with his father) to graphically present the Holocaust. --> oral history is an uncommon method in history since history is traditionally upper class --> indicates democratisation in history
3. Use of evidence has changed from using evidence to find the absolute truth to using evidence to support a historian's judgement.
Source: 'How do the multiple pieces of the past cohere? What is the common thread linking literary texts, religious art...? That human beings created all these things may not be enough to confer an integrated meaning on clues that are not clearly linked or on witnesses of uncertain authority.' --> explores the notion of how despite the wide variety of evidence, there is not enough evidence that can help reach absolute truth.
Examples:
Thucydides' almost- medical style in language reflects his genuine aim for objectivity --> still room for subjectivity due to his context (e.g. generous in representing Brasidas to lessen his responsibility in defeat) --> contrasts with Carr's relativistic views --> purpose: posterity/ wants future generations to learn from the past
Gibbon incorporated elements of philosophy and encouraged his audience to form judgements on his views on history (e.g. His work 'The History of the Decline and Fall of the Roman Empire was used to reflect the British Empire's relations with the US/American Revolution) --> purpose: posterity but also encouraged people to sympathise with the past/ consider his view on the nature of civilisation
Does this structure make sense? I'm not very comfortable in writing History Extension essays so I'm running past my structure here before writing.
Thanks in advance!