Primary Document Analysis
Length = 3-5 pages. It is the student’s responsibility (and judgment) to provide an appropriate amount of content to support and develop the thesis statement.
Outcome=* practice close and critical reading of primary sources.
Recognize the relationship between a document and its historical context, and apply this to the analysis.
Craft a clear and concise argument that expresses a unique stance on the value/meaning of the source material.
Formatting =Times New Roman 12pt font. Double Spaced. Page numbers in top right of page.
CMS style footnotes and bibliography for ALL assignments. (does not count for paper length).
Select the document first
Samuel de Champlain, “The Foundation of Quebec, 1608,” in The Library of Original Sources, Vol. V. Oliver J. Thatcher, Ed. Milwaukee: University Research Extension Co., 1907. Via Modern History Sourcebook, https://sourcebooks.fordham.edu/mod/1608champlain.asp
Organize paper:
· Introduction: The article you are reviewing and the subject explored in the article.
o THESIS STATEMENT: the thesis should be the last sentence of the first paragraph. It must clearly state your position (what is your answer to the question?) and explain why this is your position.
· Body Paragraphs: What are the most important ideas you need to explain for the reader to understand your argument (why you have taken your position). Use citations to show where the reader can find the evidence that supports your position.
o TIP: keep quotations to a minimum; use paraphrasing throughout, and only quote where the SPECIFIC wording of the author is REQUIRED to make your point. Make sure to CITE paraphrasing.
· Conclusion: ? Say something big.
FOCUS QUESTION: Answer this in your thesis statement
· Why is this document a valuable source for adding complexity to our understanding of important themes in Canadian history?
· Consider specifically how the document can help us understand the European perspective on the colonization of North America. Look for racial, economic, political and religious motivations, for example.
