Why Study History?
Even though the topic has been questioned a great deal, the study of Canadian history should certainly be mandatory at the senior three level, in Manitoba. "Everything has a history...even history itself has history...we can't escape the past...we can't let go of the past...we celebrate the past all the time" (Kreis). The purpose of the history course is to construct answers of why and how events in the past occurred and with this knowledge, students are better able to identify how the event shaped the present day society and government. History helps us understand today's people and societies because, like a hard drive, it holds data about how each behaves. All theories about human conduct, rise from and depend on historical information because only the past provides the materials that allow studies of human conditions to be done. "History also provides unique insight into human nature and human civilization" (Luttmer). Through history, students are connected to other human experiences and emotions; thus the ability of the students to understand the condition of others is developed. This then, allows the students to be better able to care, which is the same as development in maturity level. All people are products of the
History is indispensable for good citizenship and patriotism because the course advocates national identity and allegiance. Most believe that the study of history was instruction in nationalism and civil devotion but it creates a better citizen because the course provides information about the establishment of national institutions, problems and values in that nation. "The study of history is indeed worthwhile and necessary for the education of effective citizens" (McNeill). Since Canada is democratic, it is meaningful for each member of society to grasp the idea that as a citizen, he or she must make intelligent voting decisions. "Why study history? The answer is because we virtually must, to gain access to the laboratory of human experience" (Stearns). History is not just a course to take in order to graduate but it is the gathered experiences of mankind throughout time. Truly history is impossible to do without because it is vital to individuals and civilization as a whole. The fact that history deals with everything that has happened to people long ago, prompts most individuals to believe it is useless. But in fact, it is essential for history to be a required subject at the senior three level, because all civilizations base their present beliefs and behaviors on former experiences. The nation's economy would only benefit, in the long run, from the teaching of the course because history increases awareness about a nation thu
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