My selected primary source analysis will be on PHOTO, PRINT, DRAWING – Forcing slavery down the throat of a freesoiler https://www.loc.gov/item/2008661578/
Primary Source Analysis Project:
A primary source is a historical document/artefact created in the period that is being researched. A secondary source is one (usually an academic analysis of the period in question) that is created after the period being researched. You will submit a 3-5 page analysis of that source. The essay must be double-spaced in 12pt font with 1” margins and must follow the Chicago Style Manual. It should have an introduction, several body paragraphs, and a conclusion. Your essay will be graded for both content and style, so write well! If English is not your first language, have a friend or two read it who can offer suggestions and/or identify grammar/language problems.
The purpose of this assignment is to develop skills to analyse sources as a historian. You should analyse your source as critically and thoroughly as possible. A simple/general summary of the source is not acceptable. You must critically consider the content and historical context of the source critically. Think about the cultural values informing the source and consider the tone, style, and argument of the creator of the source. What biases and assumptions can you detect? What are the strengths and weaknesses of the source? Consult secondary sources as needed – just be sure to cite all sources used.
To analyse the source, consider the following questions:
Who created/wrote the document, and for whom was it created/written? What does this suggest about the point of view reflected in the document?
Why was the document written? What kind of document is it? A document’s purpose and form (e.g. legal opinion, prohibition, instruction manual, government photo/illustration, advertisement) will affect the sorts of material it contains and might cause a systematic bias.
How do author, audience, purpose, and form relate to the event or issue that the document describes? Was the author in a position to have reliable knowledge about the issue and/or event? Does the form of the document permit accurate reporting or is there possible censorship? Does the author have any reason to avoid telling the truth as he or she saw it?
In conclusion, how reliable do you think this document is? What other kinds of documents would you want to examine to corroborate its claims?
DUE: Friday, April 17 by midnight