Analyzing primary sources
In Module 2, learners worked to identify, locate, and collect different types of primary sources in both digital and analog forms. Primary sources include documents or artifacts created by a witness to or participant in an event. They can be firsthand testimony or evidence created during the time period that you are exploring.
In this module, learners will consider the methods of primary source analysis, examining both the content and context of sources across a variety of source types: some source types, such as letters, diaries, and maps are commonly found in library collections. Oral history transcripts, films, and monument records may also be found in some collections as their reach expands.
A clarification regarding source types: You will notice that newspapers are not included in this module. While local newspapers are typically the first primary sources encountered in local history research, you are encouraged to engage with a diversity of source types to make your final Omeka exhibits more engaging for your audience and community.
Each section of this module concentrates on a specific primary source type. Learners may consider approaching the work in this module in multiple ways:
- by working through each section for all source types;
- by working through the sections for the source types already identified and collected;
- by working through the sections for the source types already identified and collected and exploring source types that might not be available in your library collections.
Regardless of the approach taken, the work completed here will prepare learners to develop a Framing Document in Module 4.
Outcomes:
- Ability to consider the origins of a primary source in order to understand it
- Ability to establish a primary source’s place in time, and understanding how features of the time period influence its content
- Ability to determine both the content of the primary source and how that content is communicated
- Ability to identify points of agreement and disagreement across multiple primary sources