Sources of History: Zimbabwe History Advanced level

Zimbabwe History Advanced level

© 2017 With Brian Maregedze (MAF Candidate, SHS [UZ], B.AA [UZ]

 email bmaregedze@gmail.com or call +263779210440

Sources of History

History is a very interesting subject at Advanced level and I have experienced the goodness of this study through sharing some important books, articles with my students as well other teachers. Reading is a very imperative habit to be cultivated such that historical jargon and arguments start to flow smoothly. Young historians should be avid readers and I will make an effort to share with you some of the books and works in History that have helped students excel beyond their expectations. The following sources are essential for History students, Oral sources, written evidence, archaeology, anthropology, linguistics, botany.  Numerous books, articles have been written in an effort to make the above sources meaningful and I encourage teachers, students, lovers of history of Zimbabwe and African history to follow through this blog so that they get to read and have analytical insights in line with the most wonderful academic discipline worth of study than ever before in this 21^STcentury-History.  The Zimbabwe School Examination Council (ZIMSEC) Advanced level syllabus (2015-2022) recommends that some of the books I am sharing with you be read but it is observable that some more sources are worth reading which are not mentioned in the syllabus. To enjoy more intellectual fulfillment and success in History there is need for more exposure in Historical literature which makes you mature in the way of Historians. Again there are also revision guides/books worth reading if one is to become an exceptional young student who masters the subject. Interestingly having an understanding of some of the following books, articles in your archive, and file as a historian can make a better person. I will also share with you some reviews on some works which I shall post using this blog for the benefit of every lover of African History in particular Zimbabwe History.

J. Vansina, Oral Traditons as History, Madison-Wisconsin, The University of Wisconsin Press, 1985.

B. Raftopolous and A. Mlambo, Becoming Zimbabwe, Weavers Press, Avondale, 2010

D.N. Beach, A Zimbabwean Past: Shona Dynastic Histories, Gweru, mambo Press, 1994.         

D. Henige, Oral Historiography,Lagos, Longman, 1982.

D. W. Cohen, S. Miescher and L. White, “Introduction, Voices, Words and African History,” D. W. Cohen, S. Miescher and L. White (ed), Words and Voices,  Critical Practises In Arican History Oral History, Bellaggio Study and Conference, February 1997. Newbury, D.“Contradictions at the Heart of the Canon: Jan Vansina and the Debate over Oral Historiography in Africa, 1960-1985,” History in Africa, Vol. 34, 2007.

G. Liesegang, “David Beach (1943-1999): A Comment on His Career and Work, His Contribution to the History of Zimbabwe and Mozambique, and on the "Local" Production of Knowledge,” History in Africa, Vol. 28 (2001).

J. Vansina, Living with Africa, Madison, The University of Wisconsin Press, 1994, pp.41-4

J. C Miller, “Introduction: Listening to the African Past,” J.C. Miller (ed.), The African Past Speaks: Essays on Oral traditions and History, Folkestone, 1980.2

T. Spear, “Oral Traditions: Whose History?” The Journal of Pacific History, Vol. 16, No. 3, 1981.