This assignment asks you to put to use the techniques you’ve learned about searching GMU’s Library catalog and databases in order to start finding sources about the early Americas topic you’ve selected for your final project.
For class Wednesday 5/26:
- Write a blog post that includes the information requested in the assignment details. See example below. Post it to your website.
- Submit the URL of your post via Blackboard by 8am.
Assignment details
- Using the library catalog, JSTOR, databases and other library resources, find sources about your own early Americas topic. Make sure to find:
- One book
- One journal article
- Three primary sources (from at least two different collections)
- Add your sources to your Zotero library. Include a link in your blog post to your public Zotero library (follow directions for “Making Your Library Public”).
- For each item include:
- The correct citation information according to the Chicago Manual of Style. Remember Zotero will help you with correct citations.
- 2-4 sentence summary of the source and its argument. (For books and articles, you can find this out by reading the introduction and/or conclusion. For primary sources, explain what the source is about and what one might learn from the source.)
- For primary sources only, indicate which database they came from.
- Finally, explain in 300 words or less: What did you learn from reading these sources? What did you learn about looking for sources and the reliability of sources found online?
Example Post
Topic: Women in Early America
Zotero Library: https://www.zotero.org/myname
Source #1
Zagarri, Rosemarie. Revolutionary Backlash: Women and Politics in the Early American Republic. Early American Studies. Philadelphia: University of Pennsylvania Press, Inc, 2011.
Summary of book and its argument.
…
Source #4 (from America’s Historical Imprints)
Goldthwait, Martha, 1764-1839. “For Sale, at Miss Goldthwait’s Shop, No. 18, Cornhill, a Beautiful Assortment of Brocades …,” Early American Imprints, Series 1, no. 45771 (1782).
Summary of primary source explaining what the source is about and what one might learn from the source.
Reflection
Final paragraph of 300 words or less reflecting on what I learned from these sources and from searching for them online.
