History document decoder
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document_decoderinstructions1.docxDocument Decoder Instructions
After reading the primary source, you will prepare a short analysis of the document. You will explain who the author is, what the document says, why the document itself is important (NOT the topic - why is this particular document important), and 2 questions that the source leaves you with. These will be printed (single spaced, 12 point Times New Roman font) and turned in during class.
The format will be as follows:
Source: Author, "Title of Article," Title of Book You Found It In (Publication city: Publisher, year) page numbers.
About the Author: In no more than 2 sentences, tell me about the author. I don’t want to know their birthdate. I want to know information that explains why this person is writing thing document.
Summary: In no more than 2 sentences, explain the major points of the document.
Significance: This will be the longest section of the decoder. Explain the historical significance of the document. Do not tell me the importance of the actual time period, person, or event. I want to know why the document itself is important. What does this document tell us about life in the time period it was written? What does it reveal about relationships between people, attitudes towards ideas or events, etc.? How does this document help historians understand this time period/person/event better?
Connections: Choose 2 other documents in your Voices of Freedom (for RACC students, use the documents on Angel) that relate in some way to the document you’ve analyzed. In 2-3 sentences each, explain how the documents explain similar ideas, how they contradict one another, how they illustrate the same point, etc.
Questions: Offer at least 2 historically relevant questions you have about this document. These should be questions that could potentially be answered through historical research (you don’t have to answer them).
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Example [Follow this formatting]
Your Name
Course Info
Assignment name and number
About the Author: William Penn was a Quaker (Society of Friends) and founder of the colony Pennsylvania. He created the colony as a religious haven where people of differing faiths could live together peacefully.
Summary: In this part of the Pennsylvania Charter of Privileges and Liberties, Penn declared that no person who professes a belief in an almighty god will be harassed or discriminated against because of his or her beliefs. He also stated that anyone who professes a belief in a god can serve in the government.
Significance: This excerpt gives us a clear understanding of Penn’s intentions to create a ‘holy experiment.’ Whereas the Massachusetts colony was ruled harshly by the Puritans who insisted on conformity, Penn wanted a colony where people could practice whatever faith they wanted. This reflects Penn’s experiences as a Quaker, a religious group that was heavily persecuted in England. By Penn issuing this charter, he gives a certain authority to the idea that religious freedom is key to success of the new colonies.
Connections:
· “Document Title” by [name of author]: This document is similar to Penn’s because....
· “Document Title” by [name of author]: This document contradicts Penn’s article because...
Questions: Did Penn have any experiences in or knowledge of life in New England that might have influenced his attitudes? Did anyone challenge Penn’s authority on this matter?
