HIST 102, Spring 2009
PRIMARY SOURCE ANALYSIS CHECKLIST
*Also see my remarks in the margins of your papers.
5=Excellent; 4,3,2=Needs Work; 1=Unacceptable
Categories are not necessarily weighted equally.
1. Introduction. Did you "set the stage" by introducing
specific background information (who, what, when, where)
necessary for understanding the historical context (from texts,
lectures, discussions)? Did you describe the causes of the
events/conditions described in the primary sources? (one
paragraph)
2. Thesis. Did you present a precise and historically relevant
claim in response to all parts of the study question? Did you
avoid vague words like how, what, and why, as well as other
vague language, in the thesis? (one or two lines, at end of intro
paragraph)
3. Summary. Did you formally introduce the primary source
documents? Have you specifically described the contents of
each primary source? Did you avoid “question” words? (one
paragraph)
4. Analysis. Did you follow through on the thesis statement
and develop a detailed historical argument that combines
document analysis and context? Did you compare the sources
to one another? Is your logic clear, specific, and sound? Is
your information complete and correct? Did you define
necessary key terms carefully? Did you avoid personal
judgment?
5. Evidence. Did you provide ample evidence (quotations or
specific examples, at least one per document) from the
primary sources (NOT Bulliet or Andrea’s introductions) in
support of your analysis? Did you avoid plagiarism and cite
the sources appropriately, using parenthetical references?
(two to five paragraphs)
6. Conclusion. Did you restate the thesis? Did you indicate
the historical impact, effects, or consequences of
events/conditions introduced by the primary sources, beyond
their specific context? What happened next? (Remember: our
job is to interpret the past, not the present; what larger
HISTORICAL themes do the sources reflect?) (one
paragraph)
7. Style. Did you format the paper appropriately, with 12-pt.
font and 1-inch margins? Did you proofread carefully for
errors in spelling, grammar, and punctuation? Does each
paragraph contain a topical sentence? Does your writing style
flow clearly and easily from point to point? Did you avoid
run-on sentences, sentence fragments, and passive
constructions?
8. Progress. Did you consider my previous suggestions and
take steps to remedy any problem areas?
COMMENTS AND GRADE:
5
4
3
2
1
5
4
3
2
1
5
4
3
2
1
5
4
3
2
1
5
4
3
2
1
5
4
3
2
1
5
4
3
2
1
5
4
3
2
1