Michael Hillery

Historically Thinking Michael Hillery

Historically Thinking outlines the simple study of history, stating an argument, finding supporting evidence to support the claim, and providing an answer or solution to that problem. It moves forward into how that discipline contributes to the functioning of various institutions and occupations todaythemes such as museum displays, film and drama productions including Shakespeare, the careful selection of information in archives and university libraries, and arguments based on facts in law and its purpose in school both in higher and public education. Then the study of history is looked at as it is used in the curriculum and how the identity of Canadaand the rest of the worldis rooted on how we define ourselves through an understanding of our past. Is our identity as Canadians supported by the image portrayed in the history classrooms as a diverse nation, or are we heading to a more unified country under one flag? And what role, if any, does history play in creating that identity, thus making it an important part of all our lives?