Sources

Primary & Secondary

History

What is our source of knowledge? Archaeology Written documents

Goal of this Course? Seek the truth

Sources

2 types primary & secondary

Primary What is primary source?

An account from the time period For example?

journal, letter, drawing, newspaper, report

Secondary What is secondary source?

Interprets primary sources i.e. textbook

Primary Source

Strength Provides greater understanding

First hand account (sometimes)

Weakness Sometimes biased

How to Analyze a Source (seek the truth)

Need to know: Speaker (Author) Occasion Audience Purpose Subject Significance

SOAPSS

Secondary Source

Strengths Primary sources analyzed

the hard work is already done

Seek the truth SOAPSS History changes Need to be mindful of opinions / argument

presented

Other Issues

Authors & Publishers aren‘t perfect: Translation errors Typos Poor editing Poor research