400-500 American history essay

Suggestions on How to Read Primary Documents & Worksheet

Step 1--Determine if the writing is a primary document—A primary document is an original historical written source (i.e., diaries, documents, letters, newspapers, etc). While this sheet focuses on primary documents, it is important to remember that art, pictures, interviews, and music can all serve as primary sources. Step 2--When reading a primary document, it is important to ask the following interrogating questions of the document: 1. Title: 2. Author (aka as Historical Actor) & Role of Historical Actor: (who is the author and what is her/his historical role?) 3. Date & Relevant historical movements the document reflects: (when was it written and how does it fit within broader historical movements/trends?) 4. What is the author’s “cultural baggage” (bias) and how might it impact her/his arguments/objectivity: (In other words, what are the author’s intentions and where is she/he coming from (past experiences and goals?) 5. Theme/Type of Document (Political, Economic, Social, Cultural): Is this important and why?

6. Intended Audience: (who is the author’s intended audience?) 7. Significance/Analysis of Document (include weaknesses/strengths): (why is this document important/what were its ramifications?) 8. Related Primary Documents: (how do other documents challenge or support this document?) Think about your Source Analysis assignment. 9. Are there any words you do not understand in the document? Are there any words that may have a different historical context?—Hint: Take the time to look up these words to make sure that the author’s intention is the same as your interpretation. An example might be the use of the word “industry.”

10. Frame an argument and use the most effective quote(s) from the document to support the argument: (how might this document support your argument? Provide examples.) Note: Primary documents are the pieces of evidence for your arguments. These documents are the “show-me moment” of your paper, so it is often best to keep the examples in their own words as direct quotes. For example, while a prosecuting attorney could paraphrase Ted Kaczyznski’s Manifesto, it would be more effective to read his words directly.