Glossary (Version 8.4)

Used by historians to identify chains of events and developments over time, short term and long term.

The concept of change involves both time and space. Geographical phenomena are constantly changing, and can often be best understood by investigating how they have developed over time periods ranging from a few years to thousands of years. This is important in helping students to understand what is happening around them and to see their world as dynamic.

Orderly, logical, and internally consistent relation of parts.

Conveys knowledge and/or understandings to others.

Estimate, measure or note how things are similar or dissimilar.

Consisting of multiple interconnected parts or factors.

A concept (in the study of history) refers to any general notion or idea that is used to develop an understanding of the past, such as concepts related to the process of historical inquiry (for example evidence, continuity and change, perspectives, significance).

Formed after careful thought.

The period of modern world history from 1945 to 2010.

Occurs when particular interpretations about the past are open to debate, for example, as a result of a lack of evidence or different perspectives.

Aspects of the past that remained the same over certain periods of time are referred to as continuities. Continuity and change are evident in any given period of time and concepts such as progress and decline may be used to evaluate continuity and change.

Examine the component parts of an issue or information, for example the premise of an argument and its plausibility, illogical reasoning or faulty conclusions.

Evaluation of an issue or information that includes considering important factors and available evidence in making critical judgement that can be justified.

The increasing integration of the different cultures found throughout the world and the diffusion of a dominant ‘global culture’. It can be argued that the hybridisation of cultures is an outcome of the process.