Assignment

Primary sources are extremely important, not only in history, but in many other fields. It offers a window into the past, an inside view into a certain time period. It will require you to be more critical and analytical and give you a deeper understanding of what that document meant during that time period. There are times that a source can have a hidden meaning and you will have to read between the lines. Primary sources can come in different forms. They can be photographs, memoirs, paintings, letters, newspaper articles, films, government documents, etc.

I do not want just a summary or an overview of the primary source but also an analysis.?For ex., if you read a slave narrative like the?Diary of a Slave Girl?by Harriet Jacobs, you can bring in information that not only supports Jacobs's narrative but also?expounds on it. While you are reading and analyzing your source, you will be thinking about the time period and the historical significance of your primary source. Think about the author's biases and assumptions. You can bring in secondary sources and other information to round out your work.

Paper Requirements

· The paper should utilize APA/MLA STYLE, double spaced, 12 pt font, and Times New Roman or Arial font.

· It must be within the timeframe of HIST 1302

· Students must turn in a hard copy of their paper and upload it on SafeAssign (eCampus) to receive full credit.

· A minimum of two pages, analyzing and interpreting the historical significance of a primary source in an essay format; including stating a position, drawing conclusion, using evidence and separating opinions from arguments.

· The utilization of academic sources with proper citations (Wikipedia does not count as a source).

· Attach a copy of your primary source to your paper

Things to Think About: (Do not list answers to the questions below. The paper must be written in essay format)

1. When and where was the source created?

2. Who is the author?

3. What is their place in society? (gender, class, ethnicity, etc.)

4. Why did the author create the primary source and who is their intended audience?

5. What is going on in history at the time the primary source was created?

6. Is there a possibility that the intended audience and/or historical event would have shaped the perspective of this primary source?

7. Does the author have an agenda?

8. Are there any biases or beliefs that would have helped to create the message of the author?

9. Is there anything that is not discussed or mentioned?