Term Paper on "Primary Document Analysis"

Quoted Instructions for "Primary Document Analysis" Assignment:

Primary Document Analysis

*****please site everything!! i need to turn it in via web****

Historians have continuously likened themselves to detectives. Relying on primary sources (those produced during the period of time under study) and secondary sources produced by other scholars, they piece together historical events and assess the actions and viewpoints of historical actors. Historians must learn, therefore, how to read primary sources, understand the biases or subjectivity of the sources***** creator(s), and examine the sources in terms of larger contexts and broader themes and issues. These processes prove to be very daunting, but very fulfilling, tasks. This short essay is your opportunity to *****play***** the historian by interpreting a set of primary sources (connected by a particular theme) in light of the class readings, audio and visual materials, and discussions engaged thus far. The list of topics, from which you are to choose ONE, is included at the end of these instructions.

This short essay should be 3-4 pages in length, typed, double-spaced, and written using a normal font, preferably 12-point Times New Roman. Your paper should include a well-defined, identifiable thesis statement (which includes an original argument based on the chosen set of primary sources), clear topic sentences, well-organized supportive paragraphs, smooth transitions, and a conclusion. Your thesis statement should address an aspect or aspects of the connecting theme listed. Please proofread your essays!!!

The content of your essay should, at the very least and in the context of your central argument, address each source in the set, who produced the sources, and for what purposes. You should then, again in light of your central argument proceed to critically analyze the sources and gather from them as much relevant information as possible. The goal of this essay is to shed light upon the experiences of people of African descent during the specific time period under study while addressing the major theme provided. While you must consult course readings, avoid using lengthy, extended quotes. Course readings should, among other uses, be used to contextualize the time period from which your source is taken; they should be used to support your ideas and not in the place of your ideas. To avoid plagiarism, citations are necessary! (See the syllabus for what constitutes plagiarism as well as when citations should be used.) A bibliography comprised of all works referenced or consulted should be included, but will not count toward the 3-4 pages required.

The content of your short essay will be graded on the following criteria: originality of your ideas, quality and depth of your research, writing style and organization, the use of concise, coherent, and specific language, and the proper citation of sources. Attention will also be paid to your adherence to grammatical rules, punctuation, and spelling. The accompanying grading rubric provides more details.

List of topics include:

1. Reconstruction and its demise;

2. Farm life;

3. Migrations;

4. *****Jim Crow***** segregation; and

5. African American music.

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