Name Course Score

Subject Rizal’s Life and Teacher Jean M. Cavalida Date

Works___
Drawing out
the best
in you! Types of Activity  Concept Notes  Individual  Formative Others, specify:
 Laboratory  Pair/Group  Summative

MODULE: 1
LESSON: 1

Lesson/Topic : Introduction to Study History

Learning Target(s) : To define and know the scope of history;

: To identify the sources and dimensions of history in general; and
: To discuss the concept of historical documentation and
historical imagination

Reference(s) : Valenzuela, E. & Calayag, E. (2019). Rizal’s Life and Works:

Towards Social Awareness and Nationalism.

Concept/Digest:

ACTIVITY

YOUR THOUGHTS: Answer the following questions in the most comprehensive way possible. Each
question is worth ten (10) points.

Criteria for scoring:

A. Content/Organization of thought: 5 pts
B. Grammar: 5 pts
TOTAL 10 pts

1. In your own words, define the meaning of history and discuss the relevance of history in your course.

2. In your own words, define the meaning of “historicism.”

ANALYSIS
 S TUDY QUESTIONS:

1. What is the accurate definition of history?

2. What are the sources of history as well as dimensions in history?
3. What is the meaning of “documentary analysis?”

ABSTRACTION

M EANING AND SCOPE OF HISTORY

The word history comes from the Latin word, “historia” which means an “inquiry” or
“investigation”. The study of history became one of the oldest disciplines in liberal arts. History is
defined as “the branch of social science which deals with the study of the past in relation to the present
and the future”.
Based on this definition, there are 3 important elements of history – a.) as a branch of social science,
b.) study of the past, c.) relation to the present and future.

1. Branch of Social Science – Science is defined as “the study of facts based on observation and
experimentation”. Our main concern is on social sciences where history belongs.
2. Study of the past – peoples, event, places and even civilizations are one of the main concerns in
studying history. Therefore, we will study the past, regarding Rizal’s life, works and writings that all
happened in the 19th century Philippines.
3. Relation to the present and the future – History is the study of the past in relation to the present and
the future. For instance, even if Rizal belonged to the 19 th century, his life, works and even his
thoughts are relevant until today. His first novel, Noli Me Tangere talks about the “social cancer” like
corruption, vices and wrong beliefs that are still existing up to this time.

SOURCES OF HISTORY
There are 2 important sources of history, to wit;

1. Primary Sources – these are the physical evidence in history such as artificats, relics, remains, fossils
and even oral tradition.
2. Secondary Sources – are divided into two:
2.1 Published materials – such as newspapers, magazines, journals, encyclopedia, pamphlets,
handouts, books, circulars and other materials which are published either in hard and soft copies;
2.2 Unpublished materials – such as letters, biographies, autobiography, theses and dissertations
and other papers written by a scholar. The Diary of Anne Frank, for example, was an exceptional
account of World War II as seen from the eyes of a young Jewish girl.

HISTORICAL DOCUMENTATION

According to Teodoro Agoncillo (the late nationalist historian), “no documents, no history…”
which had given the “documentary evidences” more weight rather than “sabi-sabi” or hearsays.

Historical documentation is very important for biography in the sense that the person was existing
during his time. Records like letters, birth and death certificates, voice recordings, paintings and even
court records show the “primary evidence’ in writing history. For Rizal course, primary sources can be
found in the Filipiniana section of the National Library from the copy of Noli Me Tangere (in manuscript)
as well as the Epistolario Rizalino or Letters of Rizal.
H ISTORICAL METHODOLOGY

The process of writing historical details is called, “historiography.” It narrates history in a proper
way according to the time, space and depth.

W HAT IS “HISTORICAL IMAGINATION?”

The concept of historical imagination is when the reader puts himself in the picture or writing
history using one’s imagination. For example, reading biographies puts you in the same person in order
for that person to come alive. Using historical imagination is also a part of learning history in which
“internal” and “external criticism” should be applied. Furthermore, by employing historical
imagination, we make the story come alive.

DIMENSIONS OF HISTORY
Dimensions of History are divided into two:

1. Place/Geographical Dimension – The location of event(s) is really important.

2. Time/Chronological Dimension – In history, time element is very important. It is the barometer of
historical events. Dating might be considered as a great factor to distinguish time such as the period
when Rizal was born (the 19th century which is the Age of Enlightenment).

R ELEVANCE IN STUDYING HISTORY

The study of history has a great significance and relevance to the modern era since this is the
foundation of the nation’s national identity. The study of Philippine history gives more emphasis on how
Filipinos fought during those times of struggles such as the Propaganda Movement (1892-1896) which was
influenced by several “paisanos” in Europe (Rizal, Del Pilar and Lopez-Jaena). Moreover, the study of
history considers the following:

a) It gives full information and details about the people, events, places as well as the time and the
existence of the nation;
b) It gives information on how to create “social and historical awareness” to develop nationalistic
consciousness; and
c) It gives pride and national identity from past events, people, culture and the known heroes who
inspired the Filipino people to be proud of our brown race.

APPLICATION

DIRECTION: Look for the following items in your house (the oldest issue) and choose at least 3 among
them:

1. old clock
2. old coin or paper money
3. old jewelry
4. letter since 5-10 years ago
5. old calendar

Then, describe the items based on internal and external analysis. Write your descriptions on the space
provided below. Each analysis is worth five (5) points.

ITEM #1:

1. INTERNAL ANALYSIS:
2. EXTERNAL ANALYSIS:

ITEM #2:

1. INTERNAL ANALYSIS:

2. EXTERNAL ANALYSIS:

ITEM #3:

1. INTERNAL ANALYSIS:

2. EXTERNAL ANALYSIS: