investigate that topic analyzing the “ambiguity” and “perspective” in sources/information.
To phrase this assignment another way: find a topic, find two opposing viewpoints (sources) on the topic and talk about how your chosen topic can be ambiguous (as in, how facts can be “inconclusive” or even contradictory, or how perspectives on history are shaped by culture.) An example from another class (Western Civ I), which you obviously cannot use, would be explaining how the Mongols expanded and ran their empire. Many historical sources claim the Mongol Empire was vicious, killing millions in a very short amount of time. However, recently found primary accounts of the Mongols paint them almost as “liberators,” not “conquerors” or “slaughterers.” Where does the truth lie? Why are there different accounts of this event/these people?
You must find at least two opposing expert sources for your chosen topic, but they have to be the same type of account: either both sources have to be primary/eye-witness accounts, or both have to be secondary accounts/reviews/perspectives of your chosen topic. Finally, after summarizing the two opposing views and explaining how they’re similar and different, analyze and explain (in your own words) how certain events/people/eras/etc. can be distorted or clouded with regards to history. Conclude your essay by stating which viewpoint you believe is more accurate, and then discuss if you believe that your own perspectives and culture have influenced your research and opinions on the sources.