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INQR 2002 - History of Genocide

This guide will walk you through conducting research for your INQR 2002 course.

Objectives

Today's lesson will include finding and using primary sources of different types and from different sources.

 

How will this library class help me?
 

This library session will help you:

  • Understand what primary sources are
    • What is appropriate to use
    • Different types of primary sources
  • Find primary sources related to your topic via
    • websites
    • books
    • other sources
  • Evaluate websites for authority 
  • Understand Government documents such as the US Census and other government sources

Primary Sources

Context Creates Primary Sources

What makes something a primary or secondary source is not so much about when it was created, but rather its purpose in the course of your historic investigation. 

 

Primary Source Definition

Usually, a primary source is a document or physical object which was written or created during the time under study. These sources were present during an experience or time period and offer an inside view of a particular event.

 

Types of Primary Sources

 

Original Documents

  • Excerpts or translations are acceptable. Diaries, speeches, manuscripts, letters, interviews, news film footage, autobiographies, official records. 

 

Creative Works 

  • Poetry, drama, novels, music, art

 

Relics or artifacts

  • Pottery, furniture, clothing, buildings

     

Examples of Primary Sources

  • Diary of Anne Frank - Experiences of a Jewish family during WWII 
  • The Constitution of Canada - Canadian History 
  • A journal article reporting NEW research or findings 
  • Weavings and pottery - Native American history 
  • Plato's Republic - Women in Ancient Greece