This book is a vital read for university students, regardless of their affiliation with the Senate of Serampore College, Asia Theological Association, or secular campuses. It provides a comprehensive set of tools for those enthusiastic about historical research, ranging from historiography to the critical examination of historical writing.

It explores various aspects of history, deciphering its meaning, nature and scope, significance, philosophy, and differing approaches. It also deals with different schools of history, differences and similarities between the secular and history of Christianity, how to negotiate with sources, history as a fusion of science and art, problems of subjectivity, objectivity, and bias, and critical evaluation of sources. The book is a captivating read for anyone seeking to broaden their understanding of the subject and an absolute must-read for those looking to master historiography.

Contents

Acknowledgement
Preface

Chapter 1: What is History?

1. What is History?
1.1. Definitions
1.2. Nature and Scope of History
1.3. Philosophies of History
1.4. Uses and Abuses of History

Chapter 2: Different Schools of History

2.1. Positivist School
2.2. Historicist School or Historicism
2.3. Marxist History (Historical Materialism)
2.4. The Annales School

Chapter 3: Historical Sources and Their Significances

3.1. Primary Sources
3.2. Secondary Sources
3.3. Tertiary Sources
3.4. Postmodern Sources
3.5. Oral Sources

Chapter 4: World History and History of Christianity

4.1. Similarities
4.2. Differences

Chapter 5: Approaches to History

5.1. Hermeneutic Approaches to History
5.2. Social History
5.3. Cultural History
5.4. A History of Politics
5.5. Digital History

Chapter 6: History - A Science or an Art

6.1. History as a Science
6.2. History as an Art
6.3. History as a Fusion of Science and Art - Investigating the Dynamic Interplay of Empirical Rigour and Creative Interpretation

Chapter 7: Presentation of Historical Materials

7.1. Narrative Presentation
7.2. Analytical Presentation
7.3. Chronological Presentation

Chapter 8: Problems of Objectivity, Subjectivity, and Bias

8.1. Definition of Objectivity
8.2. Subjectivity
8.3. Bias
8.4. Implications of Objectivity, Subjectivity, and Bias

Chapter 9: Evaluation of Sources

9.1. External Criticism
9.2. Internal Criticism

Chapter 10: Historiography

10.1. Meaning of Historiography
10.2. Why Do We Have a Range of Historiographies?
10.3. Early Indian Christian Historiography
10.4. Revolutionizing Shifts, Transitions and Trajectories
10.5. Where do We Go from Here?
10.6. Concluding Appraisal

Bibliography

Rev. Dr. Lalfakawma Ralte is an Associate Professor of the Department of History of Christianity at United Theological College in Bangalore, India. He is also an ordained Minister of the Presbyterian Church of India (Mizoram Synod). His areas of interest include resistance, migration, revival, and indigenous studies. Previously, he worked as a Missionary Pastor in Arunachal Pradesh, a Pastor in Mizoram, and a teacher in Aizawl Theological College. Dr. Lalfakawma Ralte now resides in Bangalore with his wife Mathani and their four daughters - Ainam, Zualtei, Felfeli, and Faith.