05 Jan Mechanics & Structure-

Assignment 3

Document Based Analysis

Utilize primary and secondary sources of information to construct an image of a important figure who lived during the time period of this course.

HIGHLY RECOMMENDED: Post your topic and working thesis to the discussion board by the end of Week Two. Worth 5 extra points if submitted on time.

Execution: What is a Document Based Analysis?

The purpose of writing a document-based analysis is for you to discover, interpret, analyze and utilize specific documents in order to address a specific topic. This type of writing parallels the writing in professional, scholarly history books: the writing is thesis-driven and evidence-based. It seeks to provide substantial evidence in support of a particular position that is established in the thesis. Keep in mind that your answer to the assignment’s question is your thesis. It usually appears in the first paragraph of the essay. Be sure to include all points that you will make in your paper in your first paragraph. A reader should be able to outline the rest of your paper just from the thesis.

The document-based analysis is like other academic writing in history in that it shows how the topic under discussion relates to the time period of your focus. You should, therefore, keep your focus on the documents’ historical context (rather than on contemporary issues) and seek to answer this question: Why did this topic matter to people at that time?

Your primary audience is your professor and perhaps your classmates. However, you should write with an academic audience in mind that is knowledgeable about history, but not necessarily a specialist in the documents you are analyzing.

A few more tips..

Evidence comes from the documents and should be used to support your argument. Analysis of how the documents support your argument is essential.

Explain the context of your evidence and avoid lengthy description or summary of documents. It is better to find a quote that illustrates the point that you want to make. Be sure to explain why or how the quote supports your argument.

Document Based Analysis is not opinion writing but a close examination of primary and secondary sources that provide supporting evidence and support the essay prompt as well as the thesis.

Writing Criteria:

Proper Chicago style format with full name, date, title and citations

4 to 6 pages but not to exceed 7 pages. 12 pt, normal margins, double spaced. The title and citation/bib page are not included in the page count;)

The use of at least 5 to 7 primary sources and secondary sources plus additional references. Usage of sources from each weeks discussion is strongly encouraged!

Evidence is used to support your analysis and link back to the thesis

DBA Rubric:

Content- 55 Points Possible:

Student clearly understood the assignment prompt. 2 pts.

Student utilized the assigned number of resources and included SOURCE DOCUMENTS from the discussions. 5 pts

Demonstrated a solid understanding of material through higher order thinking, research and class content. 20 pts.

Created a solid thesis, in bold, followed in a clear and easily identifiable process throughout paper! 10 pts.

Content is appropriately used to buttress every point with examples that support the thesis statement. 10 pts.

Correct integration of quoted, paraphrased, and statistical material into paragraphs with the proper Chicago Style in text citations, foot notes, and bibliography. 8 pts

Analysis and Logic- 35 Pints Possible:

Analysis is fresh and exciting, posing new ways to think of the material and novel connections are made to outside material. 2 pt.

All ideas in the paper flow logically; the main point are easily identifiable: from paragraph to paragraph. 10 pts.

Creates a succinct pattern of understanding that clearly links evidence in the paper back to the thesis statement! 18 pts.

Presents essay from a historical perspective and in a formal voice.5 pts.

Mechanics & Structure- 10 Points Possible:

Excellent transitions from point to point. 2 pts.

Paragraphs are structured correctly. 2 pts.

Good sentence structure, grammar, and diction, few punctuation and (minor) spelling errors. 2 pts.

Expanded vocabulary and avoids redundancy and repetition of ideas. 2 pts.

Followed citation format criteria completely. 2 pts.

Word to the Wise: wikipedia, blogs, and any website with pop up adds are usually not credible. Follow the CRAAP test when searching for credible sources: credibility, authority, currency, accuracy, purpose, and relevancy before citing the information in an essay.