History of Japan
Primary Source Report
25 Sep 2013

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 David J. Lu assigned collection, 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.

Then, write a brief analysis, a minimum of one page and maximum of two.  Your analysis 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 Japanese history in the period/locale  which produced this document
While a brief "statement of context" is essential, the bulk of your report should focus on interpreting the actual text/content of your source, not on how it fits into some "larger picture".

For further guidance, see "Evaluating and Interpreting Primary Documents", pp. xxxii-xxxiv, in Vaporis, Voices of Early Modern Japan.