PRIMARY SOURCE ACTIVITIES
Chris Endy

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Primary source activities are short research assignments based on one of the primary-source collections that we are reading together.

STEP ONE: Select one set of primary-source readings that interests you.  Make sure that you select one of the assignment’s eligible readings, as listed in the syllabus calendar.

STEP TWO: Re-read those primary sources to refresh your memory.  Then use the internet or JFK library to find an additional primary source that relates to your topic.  Remember my links page when you start any online research.  Do not simply select the first primary source you find but search for one that adds a layer of complexity or a new perspective not found in our class’ primary-source collection.  One you've found a promising source, think critically about that source’s context and the possible motives of its author.  Your analysis should go beyond simply accepting the source at face value.

STEP THREE: Develop your thesis statement.  Here’s how.  Imagine if the editor of your chapter had included your document in a new edition of his or her book.  What would your document add to the chapter?  Your thesis statement should answer this question, and it should appear in a brief (e.g. 1/3 page) introduction paragraph.

STEP FOUR: Support your thesis in a two-page essay (typed, 250-300 words per page).  To support your thesis, provide brief quotations and specific references from both your chosen source and from the relevant primary-source collection.  As a rule of thumb, your essay should spend about half its space analyzing the original primary-source reading collection and about half its space analyzing your new primary source.

STEP FIVE: Include a copy or print-out of the source, as well as a citation.  If you have a long document, only include the five most relevant pages.  If your print-out of an internet source includes the full web address, that is sufficient for citation purposes.  Otherwise, write out the full web address on the print-out.  If you are using an old-fashioned print source, write out the full bibliographic information (author, title, publisher, and place and year of publication).

OTHER RULES:
• If you want to examine visual evidence (e.g. a cartoon, painting, or photo), select two such sources rather than just one.

• Grades will reflect your essay’s clarity and evidence and the appropriateness and originality of your document selection.

• Finding the document is an integral part of the assignment.  Do not rely on a classmate to find a source for you.  

• Remember also the definition of primary sources provided in the syllabus.  Do not select a secondary source.  If you have any doubt about the appropriateness of a source, check with me.