1. Introduction: Unveiling the Significance of Studying History
Why delve into the past? Studying history equips us with critical thinking skills and a deeper understanding of the present. It fosters empathy, sharpens analytical abilities, and provides context for navigating complex contemporary issues.
1a Asking Historical Questions
The cornerstone of historical inquiry lies in formulating insightful questions. Rather than passively accepting narratives, historians probe the “how” and “why” behind events, examining causes, consequences, and the perspectives of those involved.
1b Developing Historical Reading Skills
Historical reading demands active engagement. It involves identifying biases, interpreting evidence, and understanding the social, political, and economic contexts that shaped historical accounts.
2. Working with Sources: The Foundation of Historical Writing
Historical writing relies on the careful analysis and interpretation of primary and secondary sources. Understanding the nature of these sources is crucial for crafting compelling and accurate historical narratives.
2a Identifying Historical Sources
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2a-1 Primary Sources: These are firsthand accounts created during the historical period under investigation. Examples include letters, diaries, government documents, photographs, and artifacts.
Alt text: A scanned image showing a handwritten letter from the American Civil War era, representing a primary historical source.
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2a-2 Secondary Sources: These are analyses or interpretations of historical events based on primary source evidence. Examples include books, journal articles, and documentaries.
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2a-3 Primary or Secondary? The Changing Status of a Source: The classification of a source can change depending on the research question. A newspaper article might be a primary source for a study of journalistic practices but a secondary source for a study of the event it reports.
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2a-4 Accessing Sources in History: Historians utilize archives, libraries, museums, and online databases to access primary and secondary sources. The internet has significantly broadened access to historical materials.
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2a-5 Uses of Primary and Secondary Sources: Primary sources provide direct evidence of the past, while secondary sources offer context, analysis, and different perspectives on historical events.
2b Evaluating Sources: Critical Analysis for Accurate Interpretation
Evaluating historical sources is paramount to ensure accuracy and avoid misinterpretations.
2b-1 Evaluating Primary Sources
Consider the author’s perspective, intended audience, and potential biases. Analyze the document’s context and purpose.
2b-2 Evaluating Secondary Sources
Assess the author’s qualifications, the source’s methodology, and the evidence presented. Look for potential biases and consider alternative interpretations.
2b-3 Evaluating Online Sources
Apply the same critical evaluation skills used for print sources. Pay close attention to the website’s credibility, author’s credentials, and the accuracy of the information.
2b-4 Identifying Fake News
Be wary of sensational headlines, unsupported claims, and unreliable sources. Cross-reference information with reputable sources and fact-checking websites.
3. Writing Short History Assignments: Mastering Concise Communication
Short history assignments demand clear, concise writing and a focused approach.
3a Reading Actively in History
Engage with the text by highlighting key arguments, taking notes, and formulating questions.
3b Writing about Reading
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3b-1 Summaries: Condense the main points of a source into a brief overview.
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3b-2 Annotated Bibliographies: Provide a brief summary and evaluation of each source in a bibliography.
3c Writing about Primary Sources
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3c-1 Single-Source Analysis: Analyze a single primary source in detail, examining its context, purpose, and significance.
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3c-2 Comparative Papers: Compare and contrast two or more primary sources, identifying similarities, differences, and potential connections.
Alt text: A vintage World War I recruitment poster with bold text and imagery, serving as a primary source reflecting the propaganda techniques of the era.
3d Writing about Secondary Sources
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3d-1 Critiques and Book Reviews: Evaluate the strengths and weaknesses of a secondary source, assessing its arguments, evidence, and methodology.
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3d-2 Comparing Secondary Sources: Analyze how different historians have interpreted the same historical event, highlighting their perspectives and approaches.
3e Writing about Film
Treat films as historical sources, analyzing their narrative techniques, representations of the past, and potential biases.
3f Taking History Exams
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3f-1 Preparing for an Exam: Review course materials, create study guides, and practice answering potential exam questions.
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3f-2 Answering Identification Questions: Provide concise and accurate information about key historical figures, events, and concepts.
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3f-3 Taking an Essay Exam: Develop a clear thesis statement, support your arguments with evidence, and organize your essay logically.
4. Following Conventions of Writing in History: Establishing Credibility
Adhering to the conventions of historical writing enhances your credibility and ensures clarity.
4a Approaching a History Assignment
Carefully read the assignment guidelines and understand the expectations.
4b Thinking like a Historian
Embrace critical thinking, consider multiple perspectives, and avoid presentism (judging the past by present-day standards).
4c Developing a Thesis
Formulate a clear and focused thesis statement that articulates your main argument.
4d Constructing an Argument
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4d-1 Supporting your Thesis: Provide evidence from primary and secondary sources to support your thesis.
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4d-2 Responding to Counterevidence and Anticipating Opposing Viewpoints: Acknowledge and address potential counterarguments to strengthen your own position.
4e Drafting Your Paper
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4e-1 Drafting an Introduction: Introduce your topic, provide context, and present your thesis statement.
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4e-2 Organizing Your Paper: Structure your paper logically, using clear topic sentences and transitions.
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4e-3 Writing Clear and Connected Paragraphs: Develop each paragraph around a central idea, using evidence and analysis to support your claims.
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4e-4 Writing an Effective Conclusion: Summarize your main points, reiterate your thesis, and offer concluding thoughts.
4f Revising for Content and Organization
Review your paper for clarity, coherence, and accuracy. Ensure that your arguments are well-supported and your organization is logical.
4g Editing for Style and Grammar
Proofread your paper carefully for errors in grammar, spelling, and punctuation.
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4g-1 Choosing Appropriate Language: Use precise and objective language, avoiding jargon and slang.
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4g-2 Choosing the Appropriate Tense: Use the past tense when discussing historical events.
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4g-3 Using Active Voice: Use active voice to make your writing more direct and engaging.
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4g-4 Knowing when to use the pronouns I, me, and you: Minimize the use of first-person pronouns in formal historical writing.
5. Writing a Research Paper: In-Depth Historical Inquiry
Writing a research paper involves in-depth investigation, analysis, and synthesis of historical evidence.
5a Moving from Topic to Research Question
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5a-1 Choosing a Topic: Select a topic that interests you and is manageable in scope.
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5a-2 Focusing on a Research Question: Develop a specific and focused research question that guides your investigation.
5b Developing a Research Plan
Create a timeline and identify potential sources of information.
5c Conducting Research
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5c-1 Consulting Human Resources: Seek guidance from librarians, archivists, and other experts.
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5c-2 Using a Library’s Online Catalog: Search for books, articles, and other resources relevant to your topic.
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5c-3 Using Print and Electronic Reference Sources: Consult encyclopedias, dictionaries, and other reference materials for background information.
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5c-4 Locating Primary Sources: Explore archives, museums, and online databases to find primary source materials.
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5c-5 Locating Secondary Sources: Search for books, journal articles, and other scholarly works that analyze your topic.
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5c-6 Finding Internet Sources: Use search engines and online databases to locate relevant websites and digital resources.
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5c-7 Distinguishing Among Electronic Sources: Evaluate the credibility and reliability of online sources before using them in your research.
5d Taking Effective Research Notes
Organize your research notes carefully, citing sources accurately and summarizing key information.
5e Developing a Working Thesis
Refine your thesis statement as you gather evidence and develop your arguments.
5f Making an Outline
Create a detailed outline to organize your paper logically.
5g Revising and Editing Your Paper
Review your paper carefully for clarity, accuracy, and coherence.
6. Plagiarism: What It Is and How to Avoid It
Plagiarism is the act of presenting someone else’s work as your own. It is a serious academic offense.
6a What is Plagiarism?
Plagiarism includes copying text verbatim, paraphrasing without attribution, and submitting work that was created by someone else.
6b Avoiding Plagiarism
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6b-1 Citing Sources to Avoid Plagiarism: Give credit to the original source of any information that is not your own.
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6b-2 Paraphrasing to Avoid Plagiarism: Rewrite information in your own words, while still citing the original source.
Alt text: A diagram illustrating the concept of plagiarism and highlighting methods for avoiding it, such as proper citation and paraphrasing.
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6b-3 Downloading Internet Sources Carefully to Avoid Plagiarism: Be careful when copying and pasting information from the internet. Always cite your sources.
6c Plagiarism and the Internet
The internet has made it easier to plagiarize, but it has also made it easier to detect plagiarism.
7. Quoting and Documenting Sources: Providing Evidence and Attribution
Properly quoting and documenting sources is essential for academic integrity and credibility.
7a Using Quotations
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7a-1 When to Quote: Quote directly when the original wording is particularly eloquent or important.
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7a-2 How to Quote: Use quotation marks to indicate direct quotations and cite the source accurately.
7b Documenting Sources
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7b-1 Footnotes and Endnotes: Use footnotes or endnotes to provide detailed source information and commentary.
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7b-2 Bibliography: Include a comprehensive bibliography listing all sources cited in your paper.
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7b-3 Documenting Nonwritten Materials: Cite sources such as images, films, and websites using appropriate documentation formats.
7c Documentation Models
Follow a consistent documentation style, such as Chicago, MLA, or APA.
7d Sample Pages from a Student Research Paper
Consult examples of properly formatted research papers to guide your own writing.
This pocket guide offers essential tools and strategies for mastering the art of historical writing online. By understanding the nature of historical sources, honing critical thinking skills, and adhering to the conventions of academic writing, you can craft compelling and insightful historical narratives.
