Monocausalism and Multicausalism in History

History JSS 1 First Term Lesson Notes – Week 10

Topic: Sources in History
Sub-topic: Monocausalism and Multicausalism in History

Lesson Plan

Subject: History
Class: JSS 1
Term: First Term
Week: 10
Age: 11-13 years
Topic: Sources in History
Sub-topic: Monocausalism and Multicausalism in History
Duration: 40 minutes

Behavioural Objectives

By the end of the lesson, students should be able to:

1. Explain sources in History.
2. Give examples of sources in History.
3. Describe how to access sources in History and relate the characteristics of these sources.
4. Explain the importance of History in our changing world.
5. Relate the concepts of Monocausalism and Multicausalism in History.
6. Discuss the synergy of oral and written sources in understanding events, such as Nigeria’s 2019 General Elections.

Keywords

• Monocausalism
• Multicausalism
• Archeology
• Oral Sources
• Written Sources

Set Induction

The teacher starts by asking students what they think are the main sources of information about Nigeria’s past. This will spark interest in understanding historical sources.

Entry Behaviour

Students are aware that historical events are recorded in various ways (e.g., through stories, books, museums, etc.).

Learning Resources and Materials

• Pictures of notable historical figures and artifacts
• Examples of textbooks, diaries, and newspapers
• Charts showing various sources of history
• Map showing historical sites in Lagos (National Museum, First Storey Building)

Building Background/Connection to Prior Knowledge

Students have previously learned about primary and secondary sources. This lesson builds on that knowledge by introducing monocausal and multicausal approaches to history.

Embedded Core Skills

• Collaboration (Group discussions)
• Critical Thinking (Analyzing historical sources)
• Communication (Presenting findings)

Reference Books

• Lagos State Scheme of Work
• History textbooks
• Online historical archives

Instructional Materials

• Whiteboard and markers
• Historical site brochures
• Printed articles on Nigerian history

Content

A. Definition of Historical Sources

Historical sources refer to evidence from the past that historians use to understand events, cultures, and societies. They include primary, secondary, and tertiary sources.

B. Types of Historical Sources

1. Primary Sources: These are firsthand accounts or evidence of events, including:
   • Diaries
   • Letters
   • Photographs
   • Official documents
2. Secondary Sources: These analyze, interpret, or comment on primary sources, such as:
   • History books
   • Journal articles
   • Documentaries
3. Tertiary Sources: These compile information from primary and secondary sources for quick reference, such as:
   • Encyclopedias
   • Chronologies
   • Almanacs

C. How to Access Historical Sources

Historical sources can be accessed through:

1. Libraries: Books, journals, and other written records.
2. Archives: Collections of original documents.
3. Museums: Artifacts and exhibits.
4. Oral Interviews: Talking to individuals with firsthand knowledge of events.
5. Online Databases: Websites that store historical documents and research materials.

D. Monocausalism vs. Multicausalism in History

1. Monocausalism: The idea that a single cause is responsible for an event.
   • Example: Blaming the assassination of Archduke Franz Ferdinand solely for the start of World War I.
2. Multicausalism: The idea that multiple causes contribute to an event.
   • Example: The 2019 General Elections in Nigeria can be explained by a combination of oral sources (people’s accounts) and written sources (news reports, government records).

E. Importance of Historical Sources

1. They help us understand how societies and cultures have evolved.
2. They provide evidence for historical events and developments.
3. They help us learn from the past to avoid repeating mistakes in the future.

Presentation

Step 1: Revising the Previous Topic

• The teacher recaps the lesson on Primary, Secondary, and Tertiary sources from the previous week.

Step 2: Introducing the New Topic

• The teacher introduces the concepts of Monocausalism and Multicausalism and explains how multiple sources contribute to understanding historical events.

Step 3: Group Activity

• The students are divided into small groups and tasked with identifying sources of history and discussing their significance.

Teacher’s Activities

1. The teacher explains the various sources of history and how to access them.
2. The teacher gives examples of monocausal and multicausal approaches to events like Nigeria’s elections.
3. The teacher facilitates group discussions, ensuring students stay on topic.

Learners’ Activities

1. Students in small groups mention sources of history and examine their merits and limitations.
2. Students discuss monocausalism and multicausalism using real-life examples.
3. Students contribute ideas during class discussions about the importance of sources in understanding history.

Class Activity Discussion:

1. What are primary sources?
   Answer: Primary sources are original materials or firsthand accounts of events, such as diaries, letters, and photographs.
2. What are secondary sources?
   Answer: Secondary sources analyze and interpret primary sources, such as textbooks and journal articles.
3. What is the difference between monocausalism and multicausalism?
   Answer: Monocausalism attributes an event to a single cause, while multicausalism considers multiple factors.
4. What are tertiary sources?
   Answer: Tertiary sources compile information from primary and secondary sources, like encyclopedias.
5. How are historical sources accessed?
   Answer: Historical sources can be accessed through libraries, archives, museums, and online databases.
6. Why are oral sources important in history?
   Answer: Oral sources provide firsthand accounts and personal experiences that written records may not capture.
7. What is the significance of historical sources?
   Answer: They provide evidence and insight into past events and help us understand how societies have evolved.
8. Can a single source give a complete picture of history?
   Answer: No, multiple sources are needed to get a more accurate and detailed understanding.
9. What are the limitations of primary sources?
   Answer: Primary sources may be biased, incomplete, or difficult to interpret without additional context.
10. How do secondary sources help in historical research?
    Answer: They offer analysis and interpretation, helping to explain and contextualize primary sources.
11. Why is it important to use multiple sources in history?
    Answer: Using multiple sources ensures a more comprehensive and balanced understanding of historical events.
12. What role do museums play in preserving history?
    Answer: Museums preserve artifacts and provide a space for people to learn about and engage with history.
13. Can history be objective?
    Answer: While historians aim for objectivity, every source has some level of bias, so using multiple sources helps balance different perspectives.
14. What is the importance of multicausalism in history?
    Answer: It provides a more complete understanding of events by considering all contributing factors.
15. How do historians verify the accuracy of sources?
    Answer: Historians cross-check information from multiple sources and use critical analysis to evaluate the reliability of each source.

Evaluation

1. What are the three main types of historical sources?
2. Give an example of a primary source.
3. What is a secondary source used for?
4. Define tertiary sources in history.
5. How can you access oral sources?
6. What is the meaning of monocausalism?
7. Explain multicausalism with an example.
8. Why are museums important in history?
9. What are the limitations of using a single historical source?
10. How do historians ensure objectivity in their research?

Fill-in-the-Blank Questions (15)

1. Primary sources are ________ accounts of events.
   a) Secondhand
   b) Firsthand
   c) Edited
   d) None of the above
2. Diaries and letters are examples of ________ sources.
   a) Primary
   b) Secondary
   c) Tertiary
   d) None

3. History books are considered ________ sources.
   a) Primary
   b) Secondary
   c) Tertiary
   d) Oral
4. Oral sources include ________.
   a) Documents
   b) Interviews
   c) Textbooks
   d) Magazines
5. Written sources include ________.
   a) Artifacts
   b) Books
   c) Interviews
   d) Speeches
6. A single cause for an event is known as ________.
   a) Monocausalism
   b) Multicausalism
   c) Multilateralism
   d) Pluralism
7. The combination of multiple factors to explain historical events is called ________.
   a) Monocausalism
   b) Multicausalism
   c) Monotheism
   d) Archeology
8. ________ are original materials created at the time of the event.
   a) Tertiary sources
   b) Primary sources
   c) Oral sources
   d) Secondary sources
9. ________ sources provide summaries of information found in primary and secondary sources.
   a) Primary
   b) Tertiary
   c) Secondary
   d) Oral
10. The National Museum in Lagos preserves ________ sources of history.
    a) Oral
    b) Written
    c) Archeological
    d) None of the above
11. The process of using multiple sources to explain an event is an example of ________.
    a) Single-cause theory
    b) Multicausalism
    c) Archeology
    d) Oral history
12. A historian would likely visit an ________ to study artifacts from the past.
    a) Library
    b) Museum
    c) Archive
    d) Newspaper
13. Secondary sources include ________.
    a) Diaries
    b) History textbooks
    c) Letters
    d) Artifacts
14. The First Storey Building in Nigeria is located in ________.
    a) Lagos
    b) Badagry
    c) Abuja
    d) Ibadan
15. Archeologists often rely on ________ sources to understand ancient cultures.
    a) Oral
    b) Written
    c) Physical (artifacts)
    d) Digital

Class Activity Discussion

1. What are primary sources in history?
   Answer: Primary sources are original materials or firsthand accounts of events, such as diaries, letters, photographs, and official documents.
2. What are secondary sources?
   Answer: Secondary sources analyze, interpret, or comment on primary sources. Examples include textbooks, journal articles, and documentaries.
3. What is monocausalism in history?
   Answer: Monocausalism is the idea that a single cause is responsible for a historical event.
4. What is multicausalism?
   Answer: Multicausalism is the theory that multiple causes contribute to a historical event, providing a more comprehensive understanding.
5. How do oral sources contribute to history?
   Answer: Oral sources provide firsthand accounts from people who witnessed or experienced historical events, offering personal perspectives.
6. Why are multiple sources important in history?
   Answer: Multiple sources provide different viewpoints and evidence, leading to a more complete and objective understanding of historical events.
7. What are the limitations of using only primary sources?
   Answer: Primary sources can be biased, incomplete, or difficult to interpret without the context provided by secondary sources.
8. How do historians use museums in their research?
   Answer: Historians visit museums to study artifacts, exhibits, and other materials that provide evidence of past cultures and events.
9. What role do tertiary sources play in historical research?
   Answer: Tertiary sources compile information from primary and secondary sources, making it easier to find quick references or summaries.
10. Can a single source fully explain a historical event?
    Answer: No, historians typically use multiple sources to gain a fuller and more balanced understanding of an event.
11. What is the significance of archeological sources in history?
    Answer: Archeological sources, such as artifacts and ruins, help historians learn about ancient civilizations and cultures.
12. How do oral and written sources work together in history?
    Answer: Oral and written sources complement each other by providing both personal accounts and documented evidence of historical events.
13. What is the importance of studying history?
    Answer: Studying history helps us understand how societies have evolved, learn from past mistakes, and appreciate the experiences that shape the present.
14. How can students access historical sources?
    Answer: Students can access historical sources through libraries, museums, archives, and online databases.
15. What is the difference between a primary and secondary source?
    Answer: A primary source is an original, firsthand account of an event, while a secondary source interprets or analyzes primary sources.

Conclusion

The teacher will conclude the lesson by reviewing the main points discussed and ensuring students understand the concepts of monocausalism, multicausalism, and how to access and interpret various historical sources. The lesson ends with marking group activities and providing feedback

More Useful Links

• Analyzing History: Understanding Secondary Sources
• Exploring History: Understanding Tertiary Sources
• Tertiary Sources in History: Definition, Advantages, and Disadvantages