Primary Source Analysis (Please make sure to follow the rubric for this assignment)
When you analyze a primary source, you are undertaking the most important job of the historian. There is no better way to understand events in the past than by examining the sources — whether journals, newspaper articles, letters, court case records, novels, artworks, music or autobiographies — that people from that period left behind.
Each historian, including you, will approach a source with a different set of experiences and skills, and will therefore interpret the document differently. Remember that there is no one right interpretation. However, if you do not do a careful and thorough job, you might arrive at a wrong interpretation.
In order to analyze a primary source you need information about two things: the document itself, and the era from which it comes. You can base your information about the time period on the readings you do in class and on lectures. On your own you need to think about the document itself. Please review the rubric for your analysis.
Directions:
Complete your primary source analysis on the assigned source in Canvas on one of the primary sources provided this week. Your document must be typed in Microsoft Word with the appropriate heading (Name, Course, Instructor’s Name, and Date). Be as in depth as possible and draw upon information from the lectures and course readings. The Primary Source Analysis assignment will be available until Sunday 11:59PM. If the assignment is not submitted by Sunday at 11:59pm you will not be awarded points. Plagiarism will be checked. No use of artificial intelligence will be accepted and will be considered academic dishonesty.
Rubric
Primary Source Analysis Rubric Online
Primary Source Analysis Rubric Online
Criteria Ratings Pts
This criterion is linked to a Learning OutcomeAuthor/Speaker
The voice that tells the story or the article. Who is telling the story or doing the writing? How does the unique voice and personality of the author come across? What details (words, language, assumptions) are sued to show us who the author is? What is their age, gender, nationality, religion, occupation, etc.?
2 pts
Full Marks
The student offers an accurate and in-depth discussion of the author and their bias which is supported by evidence from the source.
1 pts
Partial Marks
The student attempts some discussion of the author and their bias. Student might be lacking some evidence from the source.
0 pts
No Marks
The student does not attempt to discuss the author.
2 pts
This criterion is linked to a Learning OutcomeContext
What is the time and place of the primary source? When was it written? Where was it written? Was there anything important occurring during that time or in that place that might be reflected in the text or give reason for the text being created?
3 pts
Full Marks
The student offers a clear, relevant, and cogent discussion of the context surrounding the document with evidence from the source.
1 pts
Partial Marks
The student offers an attempt of some discussion of the context surrounding the source. The student might be lacking on evidence from the source as well.
0 pts
No Marks
The student does not attempt to discuss context.
3 pts
This criterion is linked to a Learning OutcomeAudience(s)
Who is the group of readers to whom the source is being directed? Who is going to be listening to these words or seeing this image and why? Is there more than one audience? How does this impact its purpose for being created?
5 pts
Full Marks
The student offers a clear, relevant, and cogent discussion of the audience(s) surrounding the document with evidence from the source. The student also ties it into purpose.
3 pts
Partial Marks
The student offers an attempt of some discussion of the audience(s). The student might be lacking on evidence from the source as well not tying it into purpose.
0 pts
No Marks
The student does not attempt to discuss audience(s).
5 pts
This criterion is linked to a Learning OutcomePurpose(s)
Why was this source written or created? What audience is it intended for and how does this shape its purpose? Does this document attempt to describe, entertain, explain, or persuade an audience for a certain reason?
5 pts
Full Marks
The student offers a thorough evaluation and in-depth analysis of why the source was created using evidence from the document. The student also ties it back in to audience(s).
3 pts
Partial Marks
The student makes a vague attempt at discussing purpose, but fails to provide evidence from the source and does not tie it into audience(s).
0 pts
No Marks
The student does not attempt to discuss purpose.
5 pts
This criterion is linked to a Learning OutcomeSubject
What is taking place in the source? What is the text about? What is the main idea or claim in the source? What are some important details in the source? What is the overall tone of the source? Are there any voices that are left out of the document?
5 pts
Full Marks
The student offers a thorough analysis of the subject matter of the source by providing details and evidence from the source. The student also discussed the main ideas/claims from the source. The student will also attempt to address the voices not heard in the document.
2 pts
Partial Marks
The student makes a vague attempt at discussing the subject matter of the source, but fails to discuss certain details in the source, the main claims in the source, or fails to discuss the voices not heard in the source.
0 pts
No Marks
The student makes no attempt at discussing the subject matter of the source.
5 pts
Total Points: 20

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