Approaching the Sources in Your Analysis
Remember that your sources can be primary sources such as an archeological artifact, a piece of literature, or original writing, as well as secondary resources about the event. Be sure to read the specific source closely. Read it a first time, then a second, and even a third if necessary. As you review the source, ask yourself questions:
• Who is the author and what is his or her place in society?
• What is the purpose of the piece? Why was it written?
• What values or ideas are behind the content in the source? How are they different from my own?
• Is the piece credible? Why or why not?
• Can the piece be used to support a historical debate? Why or why not?
