History 101: how we know the past

How historians work with sources, and why accounts of the same past differ.

Level

Foundations

Who it is for

Everyone from about age 14: young people, adults, parents and newcomers. No prior knowledge is needed.

Format

Self-paced online, in plain language, with maps, figures, short quizzes and a discussion.

About 6 hours. Hours are an estimate.

What you will be able to do

• Tell a primary source from a secondary source.
• Date and place a source, and ask who made it and why.
• Compare two accounts of one event fairly.

Modules

1. Sources. Documents, objects, places and testimony.
2. Asking questions of a source. Who made it, when, why and for whom.
3. Many accounts. Why historians disagree and how they argue.
4. Memory and history. Commemoration, testimony and evidence.

Assessment

A short check after each module, with feedback. Completion is recorded; it is not an accredited award.

Status

Draft outline for scholarly review. The lessons, readings and questions are in preparation. Completion is recorded; nothing is accredited.

This course is shared by IDCDC and KCO. Course codes: IDCDC-HIS-13 (IDCDC) and KCO-HIS-14 (KCO).