Analyzing Historical Essays
Overview:
Analyzing Historical Essays. You will read two different historical essays with differing viewpoints from the assigned readings each week. Based on your reading of both essays and the relevant primary source documents, your task is to write a short essay (at least five paragraphs) that addresses each of the following: 1- Decide which historian’s viewpoint you agree with more, or which interpretation is most appealing.
MAKE AN ARGUMENT by using a clear and concise thesis statement as to which essay you prefer and why (giving a historically sound reason and avoid using the first person, i.e. “I”!). 3- Use at least one secondary source (essay) and two primary source documents from the chapter assigned in your paper (citations required). 4- Properly cite each article and source in support of your argument using the Chicago style. 5- Acknowledge the opposing argument and discuss why you disagree.
Short Paper Specifications:
Paper Length: 750-1000 words – 12 pt. Font / Double Spaced / Standard Margins – Bibliography: Chicago Style Footnotes Required; No Separate Works Cited Page Needed 1. To start the paper, I would recommend looking at the two “essays” at the end of the chapter, figuring out what each one is arguing/focusing on and picking which one you agree with more. If you look at the small introductory section to the essays portion of the chapter there is a short summary of each major argument found in the two essays in the chapter.
That is a great starting place. Once you understand the given argument, then you can craft your paper around explaining that argument to the reading, and then supporting that argument with at least 2 primary source documents from earlier in that same chapter. The primary sources are the “documents” found earlier in the same chapter assigned for that week’s paper. ***NOTE: I have attached the assigned reading below, please reference the reading as much as possible.
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