The Historian's Sleight of Hand: The Process of Historical Inquiry Through Primary Documents
Author
Todt, Kim
Description
A winner of the James F. Slevin Assignment Sequence Prize, the sequence originates from the Department of History, Hist 1107, Pirates, Smugglers, Merchants, and Trade: Exploring Early America’s Economy. The sequence develops around three essay topics that require primary document analysis. Each essay assignment builds upon skills learned in the previous assignment: in the first, students analyze a document; in the second they must seek out implications of their chosen document; in the third they propose a hypothetical exhibition at the Johnson Art Museum, requiring them to develop a theme, find their own objects, and write a persuasive and historically accurate essay in support of their nominations. Students do a series of in-class writing exercises and group activities; they also receive handouts to guide their work, for instance, a handout listing questions that should be asked of primary documents. Other preparatory work described includes field trips to the Johnson Art Museum and to Kroch Library. 15 page pdf
Date Issued
2009
Keywords
Type
learning object