Category: History

Essay 1 Primary Sources
History 115 Essay 1 Primary Sources
Objective:  CLSLO #5: Formulate clear and concise written arguments by completing online written assignments in world history since 1500.
Before you begin: Visit the folder with the PDFs from Hamilton College “How To Write a Good History Paper”Links to an external site.; read parts 1, 2, 3, and 4.
Directions: Write a paper of 1000-1200 words analyzing a primary source that you are using in your research project. It could be  one of the sources in this folder. For background information you may use one or two secondary sources, but you must make sure that most of your analysis is your own work and deals with the actual text of the source.
Acceptable sources for background information include course materials (the textbook in particular, and Perusall materials), peer-reviewed articles from JSTOR, and encyclopedia articles from the Oxford Reference Books Online Collection, the History Compass journal that you can find on the library databases page under “Wiley Online Library” or Encyclopedia Britannica. Section 3 must be ENTIRELY based on what the primary source says.
Format: After the title page (page 1, see below), the second page of your text should include at the top your name and a full citation of the source (author, title, editor/translator, title of collection, publisher, year, pages). Skip two lines before beginning your analysis. If you refer to specific passages (paraphrase and summary, not just quotation), give chapter, verse, or page numbers in parentheses as appropriate. Pay close attention to grammar, spelling, punctuation, and paragraphing. Number the answers to the questions below and answer the questions in order.
While reading the source: Consider the original author’s purpose and biases (NOT the editor’s). Did the author have first-hand knowledge of the events? How did the author collect the information? Who was the audience? Which side appears in the most favorable light? Also consider the hidden potential of the source. What assumptions does the author make about attitudes and society? What aspects of daily life, government, or religion does the author mention in passing?
What to say in the analysis: Your paper should include the following information presented in numbered subsections:
Historical background of the source. What was happening at the time that the source was written? Be sure to indicate the source(s) of your information. Give priority to information that is likely to have a direct bearing on how you interpret the source. [about 150-250 words]
Context for writing. Who wrote it? When? Why? What is it about? For whom did the author write? Did the author have a personal stake in how events turned out? In the case of anonymous sources, what can you deduce about the author from the source itself? [about 150-250 words]
Usefulness of the source. What can be learned from the source? Give examples of things which can (or cannot) be learned from the source. How are the author’s circumstances reflected in the source? Give specific examples of statements that are particularly biased or particularly even-handed. Is the information easily quantifiable? If so, consider including a table as an example of how to analyze the source quantitatively. If not, discuss the most applicable interpretive approaches to the source (literary, historical, etc.). Is the work theoretical? Or does the author include a wealth of details that tell about what was happening around him or her? Does the author reveal anything about general societal attitudes (e.g. towards religion, kingship, family life)? Does the author offer insights into the specific historical events or personages? Does the author give information about things that are not the main topic of the source? (For example, in a source about religion, an author might barn- yard imagery that could tell you about peasant life.) Try to go beyond a consideration of the basic facts presented in the source to analysis of larger insights into history which might be gained from the source. Note that not all questions are applicable for all sources. [at least 600 words]
Conclusion. What is your overall assessment of the source? What are its strongest and weakest points? How could this source best be used for research? [up to 250 words, but at least 150 words ]
Note that none of these are simple yes/no questions and that not all are going to be relevant to every source. Address only those that are relevant and re-organize to create a coherent whole within each section. Question 3, in particular, requires an answer the length of a short paper

One (1) primary source analysis is due this term (worth 100 points).  This short paper, 1,000–1,200 words (including footnotes) is a formal analysis of a primary source and a bibliography. Source analysis is at the heart of a historian’s research and deep and critical reading of material (even if it is only a badly corroded coin or chunk of pot sherd).  Source analysis can tell us a lot if we ask the right questions.  
Purpose:
The purpose is to gain fluency in close reading of a single primary source from class to discern context, to analyze the content, and pose thesis-seeking questions.  The goal is not to merely summarize what the source is and what it says but to deeply engage with it and study it.  The link above will give some types of questions to ask. Our goal is to look at the lives of two women in ancient Greece, Aspasia and Neaira and think about what the primary source evidence says and how they portray these two women (and why they portray them this way).  Our readings from class (and the seminar discussion) feed directly into this paper.
Aspasia and Neaira Assignment
We have been and we will be continuing to talk about gender roles and sexuality (and sex) in antiquity as well as the political power men and women had (or didn’t have).  So, given all that information you must answer the following questions in your paper: 
What was the difference between the treatment of Aspasia and Neaira in our ancient sources and why do you think these differences existed? 
Support your argument with appropriate citations and examples from the assigned texts to support your discussion.  Key points:  What made these two women so similar and yet so different?  Why were they treated in such a radically different way (if so)?  *Use the essay question as your title.  Do not make up your own title.*
I do not specify which ‘angle of attack’ you must take.  That is YOUR decision and it is your responsibility to not only elucidate your own argument but to use information from the readings to support what you want to say and to show your understanding of the sources.
Refer back to the essay cover sheet (linked) for what I will be looking for in addition to the facts and arguments you convey.
***Length of the Aspasia/Neaira paper: 1000-1200 words, double-spaced.  The minimum/maximum lengths are not optional and the word count includes footnotes but not your bibliography.***

How to Analyze a Primary Source

(More information to consider when writing)
As you read make some notes:
What is the difference in how each woman is treated and was it about her status as a metic or ex-slave or as a former prostitute/sex-worker?What do you think made for such a radically different treatment of the two women in antiquity?  What did you think of the Kurke article? Were you surprised at the linkage between politics and the hetairai?
How did hetairai differ from the mere pornai? How did these women differ from Greek wives?
How do you think women in general are seen given the way these women are treated/were treated?
“Hetaira is a “courtesan” or “mistress” of one or two men and paid in gifts by being their companion at symposia and revels in contrast from pornai who are seen by uncountable amount of men and they are usually found on the streets or brothels. They are paid in cash and are only used for sexual desires. These woman who treated differently because hetaira where often purchased as children and trained by their owners to be entertainers and companions and there was no need for sex while pornai where usually slaves or non-citizens who were there to provide services for the lower class. These woman were treated differently from the Greek wives because the wives are too innocent and pure to be treated the same. They can’t leave the house and see their husbands drinking or talking business. Hetaira were the woman who were ‘honored’ to accompany the man to these meetings and get gifts but these two women can’t meet each other. Pornai women were probably treated poorly and seen as filthy rather than appreciated like the hetaira women were treated.”
Sources to use for information on Aspasia:
https://penelope.uchicago.edu/~grout/encyclopaedia_romana/greece/hetairai/aspasia.html
https://sacred-texts.com/cla/luc/wl3/wl303.htm (for information on Lucian of Samosata, Portrait Study).
https://www.gutenberg.org/files/1682/1682-h/1682-h.htm (for information on Plato, Menexenus for another view of a fictionalized Aspasia).
Sources to use for information on Neaira:
http://data.perseus.org/texts/urn:cts:greekLit:tlg0014.tlg059.perseus-eng1Links to an external site.
(Demosthenes 59, Against Neaira).

This is a scenerio project in which the scenario you would be writing is as follows: In Constantinople, the emperor Constantine decrees that Christians must cut all ties with their Jewish heritage or face execution. Christianity under the Catholic Church continued to expand and convert citizens throughout the Mediterranean and Europe through the 4th century. Examine and analyze how the expansion occurred, discuss the key figures and their actions, including Emperors Constantine and Theodosius, be sure to include the Council of Nicaea, and explain the importance of the Nicene Creed and the new hierarchy of the Church.
the last page should be a reflection of the paper

1. My subject is Archaeology. 2. You are required to use Chicago 17th. 3. Please refrain from utilizing any AI writing tools to write the paper, such as ChatGPT; I will verify this upon receipt of the paper. 4. I have uploaded several instructions; it is imperative that you thoroughly review them before commencing the paper. 5. Ensure that the plagiarism rate does not exceed 15%; I will cross-verify this upon receiving the paper. 6. Emphasize your original analysis and explanations, incorporating critical thinking, rather than relying on mere description. 7. You MUST follow this writing schedule If you encounter any issues, please contact me promptly. Thank you!

Assignment Content
Requirements for Final Capstone Project: 
For your final capstone project, you will use the research you collected, summarized and synthesized from part 1 of this project and present it using a creative outlet. Examples are on Blackboard in the Capstone link. The final project must use the research you found AND also tie in a fictional aspect. It cannot be ALL facts or ALL fiction.
In the past, students have done social media accounts (Instagram), Vlogs, Blogs, original children’s storybooks, podcasts. movie trailers, documentaries, etc…
For example, an Instagram account would be from the point of view of a fictional person and the hashtags, comments, etc. would be a mix of both your research and fiction. Requirements and samples for each of the types of projects are on Blackboard in the capstone project link.
Capstone Project Requirements: choose one 
·    Videos of any sort- 8-10 minutes
·    Instagram: 9 posts (minimum)- 2-3 pieces of research per post MIXED with “fictional part.”
·    Storybook: 9 pages (minimum)- 18-20 facts mixed with “fictional part.”
·    Blog- 5-6 posts – 18-20 facts mixed with “fictional part.”

Write a 2-3 pages reflective essay where, based on their Chilean COIL group project will analyze their experience. The following questions would guide you to write the paper:
1. How did the project help you understand Latin America? Can you connect the experience to the class material?
2. Did this experience change your perception of the region (chile)? Explain.
3. When you think about how you spoke to or communicated with the other people from chile , do you remember that you adjusted in how you talked or wrote to them?
4. Did you learn something new about yourself from this experience?
5. What are your conclusions about the experience? What did you dislike about the experience? Why? What did you like about the experience? Why?
The papers have to fulfill college level quality in order to get a passing grade. The criteria that will be use for grading the paper are:
-good use of language (grammar, spelling, etc.)
-ideas and argument are organized
-use of references notes and bibliography in a standard academic way
-do not over use direct quotations
The paper should be 2-3 pages in length, typed (12 point font, 1″ margins, double-spaced), proofread, and if you choose to use citations these should be short –no more than a line or two. In-line references are fine (for the articles include the author and page example: (Higman, p. 276). 

I have already written half as attached, please maybe edit and add the extra words to this. The source is on the first page of the document attached. References to use footnotes too. 
I would like the rest of the context section to be written about the lead up to the Irish war of independence, including the creation of the Dail Éireann and the first year of the war of independence, however keep it brief. If a few words could be shaven if my previous paragraph about the Easter rising that can be done too. And maybe added sources 
The next two paragraphs will be on the purpose of the source and the sources accuracy and bias. 
Purpose: 
– to inspire those taking part in the war if independence 
– glorify dying for Ireland 
– it’s use as a song to be spread across the country
Accuracy and bias:
– moderately accurate, though its intention is not historical accuracy 
– some points of contention
– “fearless men, but few” does not include the role many women took up 
– the song makes it seem as though at the time the general public supported the rebels however this was untrue
-bias: 
– written by a catholic priest clearly republican and glorifies the rebels 
Significance and conclusion: 
Just a paragraph on the significance of the song and its link to more modern Irish history including the troubles.  And a conclusion 

I need a high quality research paper that explains the background of Native Americans and their journey to Native American Rights. I also need you to tie in the Trail of Broken Treaties into Native American rights. Go over the background and the journey it took. It is very important that the sources are. SCHOLARLY SOURCES and it is a high level paper written. The paperneeds to flow as well as well as make sense in chronological order. 

10 pages dbl spaced APA cited
-main question: how did Mexico become.       independent?
– 5 sources required
•Charles Mann “1491”
•Matthew Restall “7 Myths of the Spanish Conquest”
•Junia Ferreira Furtado “Chica da Silva…”
•John Charles Chasteen “Americanos: Latín America’s Struggle for Independence”
•one source of your choice over mexico and Mexican independence
-instructions, template attached

1) The essay should be 1,250-1,750 words in length (= c. 5-7 pp.), double-spaced, and saved as a Word document. Cite your sources using endnotes and the Chicago Style. You may introduce additional sources, but you are required for this exam to reference the chapters from The Routledge Handbook of Memory Activism (RHMA) plus other assigned texts in depth. 
I will provide access to the necessary sources. 
2) Your essay should be structured as follows:  
–Your name; course info; essay title. 
— Explain how you decided upon the overriding theme for your essay. What is your goal with this theme? 
— Ground your theme historically and geographically by discussing at least one of the specific contexts/cases/events from the readings and lecture materials, and at least one of the parallel contexts/cases/places/events that you chose. 
–Conclude your analysis with a cross-reference about how your chosen theme for this essay relates to you personally, and to the topics you selected for any of your completed assignments for this course. 
–Bibliography.