Primary source analysis assignment guidelines.
Primary sources are essential in learning history, they are primary documents, historical evidence that we can rely on in order to reimagine history in general. There are multiple types of primary sources that historians work with but primarily these are written documents including manuscripts, memoirs, travelogues and administrative documents. However, one needs to approach the historical primary sources with a vigilant analytical look to decipher historical reality. Primary sources were written by various authors with specific purposes and offer diverse perspectives. Students need to read and analyze these sources based on their knowledge on reading materials.
In the primary source analysis assignment, you are given at least three different historical topics to analyze through primary sources. Each topic includes at least two different historical sources depicting identical historical events and processes we have discussed in class. You need to choose one of these topics and critically analyze the primary sources attached based on your understanding of the chapter(s) these sources relate to. Your comparative analyses must include a critical assessment of the authors and their motive in writing/creating that source and factors that influenced their opinion and assumptions about particular historical events.
Every primary source paper starts with questions related to the topic and you have to answer three of these questions in your analytical work. Question 1 is compulsory to answer in any topic you choose. You have to cite the primary source material at least twice. You may include quotations in the text; however, your quotation should be justified and not exceed 20% of the word count. The essay length should be at least 1000 words ( excluding intro and conclusion).
Instructions
Your response should demonstrate your ability to make critical analyses of the primary source materials in connection with concepts, historical processes, and events we have discussed in the course materials.
Do not use outside materials (internet, books, video etc.) unless you have discussed and got approval from the instructor to do so.
Use the Chicago style when citing your source. (author name, page#, e.g. Hitler, p.3)
The paper should be written in Times New Roman, size 12; footnotes (if any) should also be in Times New Roman, size 10.
Cite the primary source material at least twice
Deadline April 25, 11:59 pm. Late submissions will not be accepted regardless of any reason.
