Primary Source Analysis

HIST 157: History of the United States since 1865

TA: Ms. Jessica Marie Johnson

History is about arguments, but those arguments are not pulled from thin air. Historians use evidence culled from primary and secondary sources to draw conclusions about past events. Primary sources are especially important since primary sources “were either created during the time period being studied, or were created at a later date by a participant in the events being studied (as in the case of memoirs) and they reflect the individual viewpoint of a participant or observer.” (from: “Library Research: Finding Primary Sources” at http://www.lib.berkeley.edu/TeachingLib/Guides/PrimarySources.html. For more questions about primary sources—and before asking me—please see this site.)

Guidelines

Choose a topic (list provided the first day of class by TA).

Explore the primary sources available on that topic in McKeldin Library, Art Library, Non-Print Media (Hornbake Library), Library of Congress, and other area libraries.

Choose ONE primary source that exemplifies the period and topic you choose and have your source approved by section the week of March 12th.

Present your historical argument in two formats:

· 2-3 minute oral presentation

· 3-5 page paper

Oral Presentation: Due in section the week of April 30th and May 7th

Your 2-3 minute oral presentation should summarizes the document, exhibit, movie, image, audio recording, video recording, etc., and place the work in its historical context. You should discuss its historical significance as far as the topic under discussion and as far as the broader themes of the class. You must provide an analysis of the work, and explain why this source exemplifies the period and topic you choose. An oral presentation is not the same as a written essay. You may not read from your paper but you may bring your own notes.

(I am making a distinction between reporting, analysis and critique. You need all three and they can overlap but each must be distinct. If you have questions, please see me BEFORE you decide to present or you may not receive full credit)

Since history is about arguments and therefore arguing, part of your grade will involve engaging each presenter through questions, comments and critiques. Be prepared to discuss your source and others!

Written Essay: Due April 23rd

PLEASE NOTE: THIS IS ONE WEEK BEFORE YOUR PRESENTATION IS DUE

Your paper should be 3-5 pages, typed, double-spaced. It must incorporate all of the same points explained above (summary of the work, historical context, historical significance for topic under discussion, historical significance for the broader themes of the class, critique, explanation). Bullet-points and incomplete sentences are not acceptable. Please attach a copy of the source to the paper.

Need Help? Try:

http://www.wisconsinhistory.org/turningpoints/primarysources.asp

http://personal.ashland.edu/~jmoser1/readingtips.htm

http://www.hist.umn.edu/~ahuebel/Reading%20Sources%20Handout.htm