Overview
This lecture explains how to find and analyze a primary source for the Primary Source Analysis Paper, focusing on sources from US History within a specified time period.
Assignment Requirements
- Find a primary source related to US History from the specified time period in the course module.
- The analysis paper is not a research paper; focus only on analyzing the chosen primary source.
- Use the question prompts provided in the Primary Source Analysis page to guide your analysis.
Finding Primary Sources
- Use the Library of Congress website to search and select primary sources, such as political cartoons.
- The National Archives is another key resource for finding primary sources.
- Google Images can be used, but ensure the source is authentic and unaltered from its original time period.
- Political cartoons are recommended for analysis, but other types of primary sources are acceptable.
Analyzing the Primary Source
- Identify and describe the type of source (e.g., newspaper, map, letter, political cartoon).
- Determine when and where the source was created.
- Discuss the author's intent and the historical context of the source.
- Analyze visual or textual elements (e.g., symbols, banners, people) and interpret their meaning regarding the political or social climate.
Key Terms & Definitions
- Primary Source — An original document or object from the time being studied, such as a map, letter, or political cartoon.
- Political Cartoon — An illustration or comic that comments on events or social issues, often used as a primary source for historical analysis.
- Historical Context — The background, events, and circumstances in which a source was created.
Action Items / Next Steps
- Choose and locate a primary source relevant to your chosen topic and time period.
- Analyze your source using the question prompts from the Primary Source Analysis page.
- Submit your Primary Source Analysis Paper by the end of the semester.