Thinking Like a Historian - How to Understand Primary and Secondary Sources

Ever wonder what a historian does? Understanding historical documents is one part of the job. In this 4-week course learners will differentiate between primary and secondary sources using examples of artifacts from United States history. During Week 1 we will discuss the differences between the types of sources and learn how to identify them through practice with examples from the United States National Archives and the Library of Congress. As we look at the examples we will also talk about the time period the source is from and main events surrounding the source. During Week 2 and 3 learners will improve reading comprehension skills while analyzing the purpose of a source. Critical thinking skills will be used as well as writing skills to complete worksheets about the sources we are examining. In Week 4, learners will identify bias in sources. We will discuss how both primary and secondary sources can exhibit bias. As a culminating activity, learners will create their own primary source. Google slides, photos, and historical documents will be used for instruction in this class. Reading, writing and discussion of the text among the learners will be a key to the learning experience. All of the primary sources will be from the United States National Archives and the Library of Congress as well as the analysis worksheets that will be provided. Join me as we practice becoming historians over the next few weeks together!

Week One: What is a Primary and Secondary Source?
Week Two: How to Read a Primary Source
Week Three: How to Read a Secondary Source
Week Four: Understanding Bias in Sources