Basic Information

A. Identify the document/source--what type of document/source is it and when was it written? Does the writing concern the past, present or future? What is the time gap between the time of writing and the time of the issues/information being recorded?

B. What do we know about the author? (Name, dates, location, social standing, etc.)

C. Who is the intended audience? Could there be more than one audience?

D. What is the content of the document/source? What are the main points and arguments?

E. Who/what are the main people and locations involved/mentioned? How do these people and locations relate to the author and or the society in which the document was created?

Analytical Information

A. Why was this document or source written/produced?

B. What basic assumptions does the author make in this document?

C. Does the author make his/her point? Are the arguments logical and consistent? What evidence and examples does the author use, and are they valid?

D. What does this document say about the society in which it was produced? What social issues, tensions, etc. are revealed in the document?

E. Are there any common themes in the time period that you can identify in this document? How is this document similar to or different from other documents which address the same subject?

F. What implications does the document raise for the society in which it was produced? In what ways could the document influence politics, religion, social order, and/or commerce?

G. What questions does the document raise for you? About what things would you like to know more?