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The Meaning of History and Culture In this lesson, students will be able to

define the following key concepts:History

Primary SourceSecondary Source

CultureCultural Diffusion

Ethnocentrism

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History

• History is the record of past events. “Those who cannot remember the past are condemned to repeat it.” George Santayana

• How can the study of history help us?

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Primary Source

• A Primary source is an eyewitness account of an event.

• A primary source is written by a person who experienced or witnessed the event.

• A diary, autobiography, and a personal letter are examples of primary sources.

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Secondary Sources

• A secondary source is a second-hand record of what happened.

• The writer of the text did not experience or witness the event.

• A textbook is an example of a secondary source.

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Culture

• Culture is a way of life of a group of people.

• Culture includes a group of people’s religion, diet, clothing styles, and government.

• Culture is sometimes referred to as a “blueprint for living” because it includes all things that contribute to a group of people’s way of life.

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Cultural Diffusion

• Cultural diffusion is the exchange of cultural ideas or objects.

• Sometimes a cultural idea or object is adopted by a different culture.

• An example of cultural diffusion is Buddhism. Buddhism is a religion. It began in India but became popular in China.

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Ethnocentrism

• Ethnocentrism is the belief that one culture is superior to another culture.

• The Romans were ethnocentric. They thought their culture was better than other cultures.

• Ethnocentrism is not a helpful attitude. It can lead to conflict and warfare.

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Questions for Reflection:

• Why do individuals study history?• What is the difference between a primary

source and a secondary source?• Why is culture sometimes referred to as a

“blueprint for living”?• Provide an example of cultural diffusion.• Are you ethnocentric? Why?