What are History and Historiography? (PDF)

Essay from the year 2020 in the subject History - Basics, grade: 5.0, , course: History, language: English, abstract: This essay delves into the multifaceted definitions of history offered by prominent scholars like E.H. Carr, Collingwood, and Iferneje. It explores history as a dynamic process involving the interaction between historians and historical facts, emphasizing the study of cause and effect in past events.

The subject matter of history is presented as a comprehensive examination of human activities and their impact on societal development, incorporating both objective and subjective elements. The essay highlights the significance of nature in shaping historical events and the historian's role in performing scientific, imaginative, and literary functions.

Transitioning to historiography, the essay defines it as the craft of writing history, encompassing the methodology of historians, the development of history as a discipline, and the body of historical works on specific subjects. It emphasizes the examination of complexities and challenges in historical writing.

The latter part of the essay focuses on the emergence of radical historiography in Southern Africa, driven by themes like tracing the causes of violence, colonial and anti-colonial explanations, and repositioning marginalized voices. The rise of radical historiography is contextualized within the socio-political landscape of Southern Africa, marked by violence and economic crises.

In summary, this essay unravels the intricate dimensions of history and historiography, offering insights into diverse definitions and approaches while specifically exploring Southern Africa's radical historiography within the context of societal upheavals.