Learning how to approach primary sources and interpret context, biases, and original purposes.
Introduction to Primary Source Analysis
Recommended Duration:
One full class session.
Objective:
Identify and communicate information found in primary sources, including summarizing the content of the source and identifying and reporting key components such as how it was created, by whom, when, and what it is.
Outcome:
Students will be able to locate, identify, and describe key information about the source, its context, and its purpose.
Activity
Students will examine a source and consider the ten questions posed by the HIPPO worksheet, including the original historical context of the source, information about its creation and creator’s perspective, and the inferences that can be drawn by what is and is not included in the source.
HIPPO
Historical Analysis
Intended Audience
Purpose
Point of View
Outside Information
Standards (based on Guidelines for Primary Source Literacy):
- Critically evaluate the perspective of the creator(s) of a primary source, including tone, subjectivity, and biases, and consider how these relate to the original purpose(s) and audience(s) of the source. (GPSL 4B)
- Situate a primary source in context by applying knowledge about the time and culture in which it was created; the author or creator; its format, genre, publication history; or related materials in a collection. (GPSL 4C)
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