General Overview: You will read two historical personal account in relation to life in the past or tied to a specific historical event. Then your research will compare these personal accounts with the “factual” or “documented” history of the era, the proceed to compare the personal account against the historical record; and then analyze the value of oral history in enriching our understanding the historical period/event.
Examples: The testimonies of Paul Revere and Gen. Thomas Gage on the Battles of Lexington and Concord; Diaries of factory workers in Lowell, Massachusetts; Journals of migrants moving westward on the Oregon and/or Overland Trails; Narratives of slaves and their experiences, etc.
Research Objectives & Questions to be Discussed in Your Essay:
• What was the personal background of the two individuals you chose?
• How are the individuals specifically tied to the specific historical event?
• What are the similarities and differences in the accounts of the individuals?
• What elements in their narratives do you feel influenced (if it applies) they way we teach/learn that history today?
• How do you feel personal accounts either enhance or possibly detract from our understanding of the historical past?
How to proceed:
- Create your specific historical question within the broader essay topic you select.
- The examples under each essay option are by no means the only topics that you can write about, they are merely provided to help you think about how you might approach this topic. You should select your own topic, however you can choose one of the examples.
- Begin researching primary and secondary sources to gather information that support your discussion of your historical question.
- Review the paper requirements for both the research portion and the writing portion of your assignment.
- Review the grading rubric to ensure that you have met all of the paper requirements before making your submission.
