history is fun

Reliability

Reliability of a source is about its accuracy!

• The reliability of the evidence in an historical source can depend on what you want to use it for.
• An historical source may be reliable in some parts and unreliable in others.
e.g. A cartoon might prove unreliable in telling you the facts about an event, but it could be very reliable for showing the way people thought about the incident at that time.

You might suspect a source provides unreliable evidence because:
• It shows the clear bias of the writer.
• It contains factual errors.
• It contains exaggerated comments.
• It is inconsistent with similar sources.
• It was written a long time after the events it describes. (Or it can just be immediately to add more fuel to the fires.)
• It was produced for a particular purpose which might affect its reliability.

E.g. PROPAGANDA = INFORMATION WHICH GIVES A ONE VIEW OF EVENTS EITHER BY CAREFUL SELECTION, EXAGGERATION OR DELIBERATE UNTRUTHS WHICH IS DESIGNED TO GENERATE SUPPORT FOR ONE SIDE IN A CONFLICT, OR QUARREL OR COMPETITION.

RELIABLE = CAN BE TRUSTED OR MADE USE OF AT FACE VALUE.
REMEMBER - JUST BECAUSE A SOURCE IS UNRELIABLE, THIS
DOES NOT MAKE IT TOTALLY USELESS.

If you want to discuss the bias of a source then what reveals its bias?
- its content?
- its attribution? (provenance)
- your knowledge of the period?

ATTRIBUTION / PROVENANCE = THE CIRCUMSTANCES IN
WHICH A SOURCE WAS PRODUCED REMEMBER - INACCURATE OR UNRELIABLE SOURCES DO NOT MEAN USELESS SOURCES.

There are three ways a historian can seek to establish the reliability of a source:
a. Site visits (this is out in exam context)
b. Cross-referencing with other sources from the same period
c. Referring to background information

There are several key questions which you can ask of a source in order to establish its reliability.

• Who produced the source and when?
• Was the writer/artist an eyewitness? What were the sources of her/his information?
• Why was the source produced?
• What is the origin of the source? (i.e. where was it produced?)
• Is there consistency in the source? (i.e. does everything in the source make sense?)
• Is there consistency with other sources? (i.e. do other sources agree with this source?)

Level of analysis
L1/1 Provenance or details only
L2/2 Uncritical acceptance of content
L3/3 Unsupported assertion of bias
L4/4 Reliability affected by date of the source
L5/5 Cross-reference to other sources/specific contextual knowledge [1. Identify content 2. Identify supporting or contradictory content from other sources 3. Draw your conclusion]
L6/6 Evaluation of source content using provenance/purpose/audience etc. [Content + who, where, when > purpose + motive > audience and how (tone)]

A safe approach that consists of L5 and L6, this is how it looks.

Yes, I can believe what this source says when it claims that … because if I look at Source A I can see that …

However, as a whole, I’m not sure that I can accept this source as a complete explanation of what … It tries to …(content/supporting details) …but it ignores the fact that … Obviously, in a history produced for the PAP’s annual celebrations, he is bound to give an account of the … which will put his party in a good light.

Here is another example:

Source A
Under the Japanese, Singapore is enjoying peace and prosperity. No one has gone hungry ever since we chased the British away. Unlike the past when only the rich could go to school, now children from all social backgrounds can go to school. This is what we mean by Asia for the Asians.

A Japanese officer talking to a newspaper reporter from Japan in 1943.

Source B
Life was hard. People were living in fear most of the time. Families went hungry and many suffered from malnutrition. Supplies of good food were either kept for the Japanese or only to be found in the black market.

An eyewitness’s account of the Japanese Occupation.

Is source A reliable as evidence of the conditions in Singapore under the Japanese Occupation? (6m)

No, I can’t believe Source A is reliable as evidence of the conditions in Singapore under the Japanese Occupation. Source A claims that the Japanese were good rulers in Singapore as it says that no one went hungry. However, when I cross reference with Source B, B says that the Japanese were harsh and many families did not have enough food to eat. Therefore, Source A is not reliable.

Moreover, I can’t trust the source because it is said by a Japanese officer who is talking to a Japanese reporter who eventually would publish what he said to the Japanese back home. This means that the Japanese officer would want to say things that would convince his fellow countrymen that Japan was fighting a just war to liberate Asia from the West and they were good rulers so that they would receive the support of the common Japanese for their conquests. Hence, what he said would be a distorted picture of what was happening and thus, I think A is not reliable.

Source Comparison

This kind of question requires all the same skills, comprehension, inference, reliability, usefulness, limits to usefulness, but comparing one source with
others. Your answer must be a comparison.

COMPARE = LOOK FOR SIMILARITIES AND DIFFERENCES IN WHAT DIFFERENT SOURCES OFFER TO ANSWER A QUESTION.

MAKE SURE YOU ARE ANSWERING THE QUESTION – MAKE SURE YOU ACHIEVE A PROPERLY BALANCED ANSWER.

You must have a point or basis of comparison!!! In writing the point of comparison, always use your own words!!!

L1 False Matching

L2 Similarities and differences without support

L3 Similarity or difference with support

L4 Similarity and difference with support

L5 Similarity and difference with support + tone/ purpose / view

E.g. Study the two sources on pg 6 and 7 (workbook) – How similar are the two sources in telling us about Singapore before 1819? (6 marks)
Sec 2

Both sources are similar as they agree that there were trading activities in Singapore before 1819 [basis of comparison] Firstly, the source on pg 6 states that there were Chinese pottery and mercury pots who were brought in by the traders indicating presence of trade and exchange before 1819. Similarly, the source on pg 7 states that vessels would sail out to trade and usually return with goods on board of ships which might fall into the hands of the pirates. {support} (4 marks)

However, both sources are different as they differ on the emphasis of Singapore’s safety and order before 1819. [basis of comparison] The source on pg 6 provides the impression that Singapore was a prosperous society with its gold ornaments and despite the presence of an ancient fort, Singapore was still relatively a good place to live in. Unlike this, the source on pg 7 indicates that piracy was a real problem for the traders and inhabitants of the island. This is supported by the fact that these pirates could come in huge numbers and without the assist of the wind condition many goods and people would fall victims to the attacks by the pirates. {support} (5 marks)

Lastly, both sources are similar in its purpose of showing there was life in Singapore before 1819. [basis of comparison] Source A with its archaeological discoveries tell us that Singapore had a writing system and were in contact with the Chinese through trade. Source B states that trade and piracy were both common near the waters of Singapore as there would be frequent fighting between the crews of trading ships and the pirates. {support} (6 marks)

SA's Format

Chp 1 - Chp 9 > MCQ (except Chp 8)

Chp 6, 7 and 9 > 1 source-based question (inference, comparison and reliability) and 2 structured essay questions

10 MCQ (10m)
1 SBQ (20m)
2 SEQ (30m)

Total (60m)

Source-Based Question

Inference

Inference questions will usually look something like this:

• What impression does Source A give of …………
• What message does the cartoon in source C give about ……….
*How does Source A help you to understand …..? Use the source and
your own knowledge to explain.
*What does the source tell you about…

All you have to do is write down what the source is telling you about the person or situation mentioned in the question.

1) Firstly read or look at the source or sources carefully and write down the obvious things it is telling you. Make sure you keep the question in mind.
2) Secondly look beyond the obvious and see what you can infer. What can you work out from what you have read or seen in the source even though it may not be immediately obvious?
3) Write down what you have inferred and use the source to back you up.

Note:
1. Always use your own words when you write your inference
2. For evidence, you can quote by using open and close inverted commas
3. Always go for two inferences!!!

Infer = To work something out from what you have read or seen.


****SQUEEZE THE EVIDENCE FOR MEANING.****

L1/1 Based on provenance or source type (1 mark) - description

L2/2 Inference w/o support (2 marks)

L3/3-4 Inference with support (3-4 marks)
3 marks for 1 inference and 4 marks for 2 inferences.

E.g. (Workbook pg 6) What does the source tell you about Singapore before 1819? (4 marks)


From the source, I can tell that the history of Singapore goes back a long way as they had early contacts with China by trade [inference]. This is supported by the fact that there have been archaeological discoveries of Chinese pottery and mercury pots in Singapore itself. {evidence} (3 marks)

In addition, the source also tells me that the people who lived in old Singapore wrote and read in a language that was very different from what we have today. [inference] This is because the source states that there was a ‘writing system that no one can make sense of.’ {evidence} (4 marks)

Next to come...comparison!!!

What is SEQ? It is 'structured essay question'. SEQ can either be short or long essay question. The following is an example of SEQ:

1. Our Vulnerability [15m]

a. Why did Japan attack Southeast Asia? [4m]

b. How did the Japanese inculcate a sense of loyalty to Japan among the local people during the occupation? [4m]

c. The fall of Singapore was a complete success for the Japanese. How far do you agree? Explain your answer. [7m]

Now we shall introduce to you the steps to answer such questions:

Steps:

1. Read the essay question carefully.
2. What are the key words in the question? (This gets students to think about what they need answer.)
3. What are the key issues in the essay title? (This gets the students to focus on the content of the essay as well as historical issues.)
4. What is your opinion on the matter? (Do not start writing until you know what you want to say?)
5. Opening points to be made in each paragraph (This is very difficult but crucial. This should provide the skeleton of the essay and show the students how the entire essay is constructed. It helps in the planning!)

Remember this:

Point > Explanation, Example > Link back to the essay

PEEL

Each paragraph should always consist of a point, which is elaborated by explanation and examples. Then the point has to be linked back to the question. VERY IMPORTANT!

Note:
1. Always answer the question right from the beginning by stating your point of view!!! E.g. I agree that the fall of Singapore was due to the lack of preparation of the British…
2. Always write in small paragraphs.
3. Keep one point to one paragraph.
4. Each paragraph must be elaborated with examples and explanation.
5. Always link back to the question either at the beginning or end of each paragraph!!!
6. If time permits, always write a well-thought conclusion at the end of the essay. If time is limited, at least answer to the question one more time so that you will not go out of point.
7. Always time yourself.
8. Look at the mark allocation and answer the question accordingly. For a 4 mark question, 2 points with relevant explanation and examples would be sufficient. For people who want to play safe, 3 points. Remember 4 marks doesn’t mean 4 points without explanation nor examples.
9. Always present the two sides of an argument. You may agree with the statement but you must also write about counter arguments. Always two sides [given factor and additional factors]!!!
10. As far as possible you should never contradict yourself by saying you agree and then disagree later in your essay (when it comes to a 7 mark question). Instead, in your introduction, after you have stated your stand (or point of view), you should stick with the same stand in the conclusion too. This is only logical and prevents you from contradicting yourself. Learn to defend your argument!!!
11. Use conjuction to link your essay so that there is a good flow. e.g. firstly, secondly, thirdly, in addition, moreover, furthermore, nevertheless, but, however, in contrast, on the contrary, despite, etc.

Examples:

1. How did the Japanese inculcate a sense of loyalty among the local people during the occupation? [4m]

Firstly the Japanese used extensive propaganda and secondly they introduced a climate of fear.

Point-Extensive propaganda

Explanation
The Japanese used extensive propaganda for gaining the support and loyalty of the local people. The local people were told that the Japanese are fighting for the independence of the local Asiatic population and that the Japanese are focused on driving the white man away from Asia. Furthermore the Japanese also made use of false truths and exaggerations so as to project the Japanese as true saviors of the Asian people.

Link
Thus the Japanese were able to cultivate the loyalty of the local people.

Point-Climate of fear

Explanation
Secondly the Japanese also inculcated a climate of fear in the local population. Anyone who was suspected of being anti-Japanese was arrested, tortured and imprisoned eventually leading to death. Most often people were rounded up and were executed for the flimsiest of suspicion.

Link
Due to this the locals dared not go against the Japanese and most of them were forced to remain loyal to them.

2. The fall of Singapore was a complete success for the Japanese. How far do you agree? Explain your answer. [7m]

L1 UNSUPPORTED AGREEMENT/DISAGREEMENT WITH THE HYPOTHESIS [1-2]
L2 AGREES OR DISAGREES WITH THE HYPOTHESIS AND SHOWS WHY THE HYPOTHESIS WAS RIGHT or WRONG [3-4]
L3 AGREES AND DISAGREES WITH THE HYPOTHESIS AND SHOWS WHY THE HYPOTHESIS WAS RIGHT AND WRONG [5-6]
L4 L3 PLUS A GOOD CONCLUSION [7]

[An L4 answer]
I disagree that the fall of Singapore was a complete success for the Japanese .

[Agrees]
The Japanese achieved a brilliant victory in all aspects. Not only had they managed to defeat the British, but they had also destroyed the two famous battleships of the British thereby asserting their superiority. Besides that most of the Europeans were so terrified that they ran away for their lives. The British who all along had been invincible in battle had been dealt a devastating blow by the Japanese in such a quick time and with minimum casualty on the Japanese sides. Thus it is indeed a qualified success on the part of the Japanese.

[Disagrees]
However, it should also be born in mind that the Japanese were successful only from a military perspective. While the victory over Singapore was won, yet it was another matter in capturing the hearts and minds of the people. The Japanese were feared and hated by the local people so much and they were secretly despised. Furthermore the Japanese also mismanaged the economy and there was a shortage of essential commodities like food, clothing, medicine and other stuff. Furthermore there was uncontrolled inflation and the people’s lives were more miserable than during the British. Thus it would be incorrect to say that the fall of Singapore was a complete success for the Japanese.

[Conclusion]
In conclusion, it would be incorrect to assume that the fall of Singapore was a total success for the Japanese. While it was indeed true that from a military perspective it was a success yet it was severe failure from all other aspects. In terms of the economy, in terms of freedom, and in terms of happiness the Japanese occupation was far from success. The fact that even today the Japanese occupation is remembered as the days of darkness stands as testimony to the fact that the Japanese Occupation of Singapore was not a success.

* See, the conclusion still must agree with the introduction. It is very contradicting and confusing to say that you agree and then disagree later just because we have taught you to provide both sides of the argument.

Any more doubt?

See us for help!

Video 1

Video 2

The above are photos which I took when I visited the Atomic Bomb Museum in Hiroshima, Japan. They are photos depicting scenes of human suffering, radiation and extreme heat. Look at the melted bottles and you can imagine how hot it was when the bomb was dropped. I can't imagine.



Pls tell us what you think about the dropping of the atomic bomb. Was it justifiable? Was it right? Do you see the need of it to end the war? Pls post your view in the comment section.

Kamikaze (神風) is a Japanese word, usually translated as divine wind, believed to be a gift from the gods. The term is first known to have been used as the name of a pair or series of typhoons that are said to have saved Japan from two Mongol fleets under Kublai Khan that attacked Japan in 1274 and again in 1281.

In popular Japanese myths at the time, the god Raijin was the god who turned the storms against the Mongols. Other variations say that the god Fujin or Ryūjin caused the destructive kamikaze.

The name given to the storm, kamikaze, was later used during World War II as nationalist propaganda for suicide attacks by Japanese pilots. This use of kamikaze has come to be the common meaning of the word in English.

Quoted from: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kamikaze_(typhoon)

I will just post two clips here. There are 5 altogether. For Part 3 to 5, go to Part 3 of 5: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5B-sIKHGPRg and you will have the rest too.

For those who are interested!!! Battle of Iwo Jima!

How to write your reflection?

Your reflection should consider the following points:

1. Has your research (oral history interview and studying of photographs) helped to answer the questions that you first thought of in the first part of the project? Has your understanding of the topic increased? What have you learnt?

2. Remember about your assumptions? Are your assumptions proven right or wrong? What did your interviewee tell you? Testing your assumptions is important as it exposes you to the basics of academic research in the university for years to come. If your assumptions are right, how has it been proven? If they are wrong, why? Have you been too naïve or simply lack a deep understanding of the topic? Now pick the main assumptions and write about it.

For example:

I assumed that the main reason why Chinese street opera is dying out because nobody wants to watch it. But I am wrong there are more reasons to it. Firstly, Chinese street opera performed by the professional troupes during temple celebrations and for other occasions is considered as low art and it does not have the support of the government and elites.
Secondly, it is on the decline because it is difficult to find younger generations of Singaporeans to take over the trade or to become actors or actresses. According to my interviewee, he will probably have to give up the trade in times to come as none of his children is interested to take over. It is not easy running a troupe and so far they are not even allowed to recruit performers from China because the government has not considered granting work permit for them.
Thirdly,…

3. What are the changes and continuities that you have seen in your chosen topic? What has your interviewee said about it? What have the photographs said about it? What do you think has persisted and what has changed? Ask yourself?

For example:

Has the profile of the churchgoers changed over the years? If yes, why? If no, why? What does this mean? If it has changed does it mean it has become ‘less exclusive’ or more Singaporeans are becoming Christians? If so, why? Then something about the significance of the church must have either changed or continued.

OR

For Chinese street opera, what has continued is that it is still being patronized by Chinese temples, clan associations and guilds that would employ them to perform for the gods and spirits. This has not changed and will also ensure the survival of Chinese street opera as long as the Chinese in Singapore do not give up their Chinese folk religions. However, what has changed over the years is that as the country becomes more affluent after 1965 and with the influx of new forms of entertainment such as cinema, television, VCD and DVD, Chinese street opera no longer appeals to the mass public. Other than a few diehards who are in their fifties and sixties, it would be difficult to see younger Singaporeans watching street opera. As home entertainment becomes more easily affordable, this also means that entertainment for the masses has become less communal and more private.

4. Has your research met your objective? One of my objectives is to get to know my grandmother better and I have achieved that because when I last visited her, we were talking about something we have in common…

5. Lastly, write a final paragraph reflecting on the whole project, your topic, its relation to history, memory (social or personal) and if possible identity as a Singaporean. Let your innermost thoughts about the entire research flow. Make it known.

I have no examples for this last part of your reflection. It should be something personal and hopefully insightful. You can do it alone or as a pair. Come to me or any of your teachers for help. You can write to me too.

Have a good break.

Thank you.

D Leo