Essay #2:  Primary Source Analysis

Length and Due Dates
Length:  2-3 pages, formatted like this
First Draft Due:  Monday, February 7; bring three copies to class
Final Draft Due:  Monday, February 14, with all drafts and peer critiques attached

Purpose

The purpose of Essay #2, a short primary source analysis, is to teach you how to examine a primary source within its historical context.  The process of writing Essay #2 will also prepare you for the more lengthy primary source analysis you will do for Essay #3. 

Assignment

Over the next two weeks, we will study a number of primary sources (a political cartoon, posters, a speech, and a newspaper article).  For Essay #2, you will analyze one of these primary sources, focusing on what the source reveals about the political, social, economic, or cultural concerns of its period.

Guidelines

1) Although you will write on a specific source and period, you must develop an argument regarding the meaning of the source.  To do so, you will need to review lecture notes and readings to understand the historical context surrounding the source.  You may also want to review Benjamin's advice on reading non-print materials and the handout titled "Use Sources to Make Inferences."

2) Since this is a short essay and your audience has read the same materials you have, you do not need to describe or summarize the primary source.  Use description, summary and paraphrase to support arguments you make about the primary source.

3) While you may incorporate lecture notes and readings into your essay, concentrate on analyzing the primary source.  If you do refer to lecture or readings, cite your source in a footnote.