Unit 2 Lesson 2: Why Study History?

Question 1

In what ways can studying the past benefit our lives today?

Answer 1

Studying history can help us understand our world and ourselves. Studying history can also address situations we believe to be unjust.

Question 2

How does the study of history help develop empathy?

Answer 2

The study of history requires us to look at multiple viewpoints to understand others’ experiences.

Question 2

What is one of the best ways to find answers to geopolitical questions?

Answer 2

Look to the past.

Question 2

How does the study of history help us understand today’s societal norms?

Answer 2

By studying history, we can examine past decisions and events that created the world in which we live today.

Question 2

How can the study of history help people challenge unjust systems?

Answer 2

Understanding the historical context in which unjust decisions were made helps us better understand how to address them.

Question 3

What are many U.S. government buildings modeled upon?

Answer 3

Important Greek and Roman structures

Question 4

Imagine you were asked to design a new government building. Think creatively about the symbolic messages you might want to convey. What would your building look like?

Answer 4

: I would design a government building to look like a Greek temple with columns like the Temple of Hephaestus. Greek temples were a big part of Greek society and I’d want my government building to carry the same importance.

Question 5

When studying history, remembering people, events, key dates, and places should be considered the __________.

Answer 5

starting point

Question 6

Why is learning the historical context of a book, song, movie, or video game important?

Answer 6

Knowing the historical context can make a book, song, movie, or video game with a historical setting more meaningful.

Question 7

The process of investigating an event in order to better understand the event as a whole is called __________.

Answer 7

analysis

Question 8

Analysis helps historians understand why events occur, identify universal themes or patterns, and see different perspectives.

Answer 8

predict possible outcomes.