Confucian World
HIST 120-01
Primary Source Report
01 Feb 2017

This assignment helps develop your expertise in the close reading of primary sources.

First, choose the source you want to analyze.  It can be anywhere from a paragraph long to a page or two.  You have complete freedom in finding a source.  If you choose one from the class text or any of the resources on reserve, give the page and reading number.  If you choose a source from some other collection, provide me with a copy of or link to that source.

Next, locate at least one secondary work to provide background and help you prepare the first part of the main assignment.

Now you're ready to write a brief (two to four pp.) analysis, which should include:

  1. a statement of the context in which the document was produced
  2. identification of the author and the intended audience
  3. brief summary (i.e., a characterization, not a repetition) of the contents
  4. tone/style/intention of the contents:  legal pronouncement, description, persuasion, refutation, etc.
  5. identification of any assumptions made by the author about the audience
  6. an analysis of the contents of the selections:  what does it tell us (or not tell us) about the period/locale  which produced this document