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History is the practice of making good arguments about the past
How to Read History (Adapted from text by Dr. Blair Stein, Clarkson University)
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Highlight or underline thesis statement; writing it down in your own words (not always a single
thesis statement)
Figure out which details are significant by seeing if they align or conflict with the argument.
Identify what types of sources the author uses to support the argument (look at end/footnotes)
Argument needs to be demonstrated throughout the paper
Present evidence in support of the argument (sometimes there are things that are less significant;
that make a point or simply there to provide contrast)
Formulating a response: be prepared to respond to the reading and its argument using evidence
from the text; you do not have to agree with the argument, but you should be able to provide some
specific reasons as to why you do or do not
Come to a conclusion: have a sense of what the most important or significant new thing you
learned from the text is. This is a great way to see what you have accomplished and also helps
with retention. It will also help you to make connections with other texts and readings