What presumptions and preconceptions do we, as readers, bring to bear on this text?

Source Report Guidelines
History 121 Renaissance to Revolution
Students are required to write a report on a primary source, worth 15% of the course grade.
Choose 3 sources from those listed under optional. I will try to assign students one of their chosen sources. Students will present the report in the corresponding class.
Below are a list of guidelines and questions to consider when examining primary source documents. You are not required to do any additional research; report only on the information you find in the source itself. Those students who wish to earn a grade substantially above minimally acceptable should plan to address as many of the questions as possible; reports containing a more thorough analysis will be awarded a higher grade. If you are unable to answer a question due to inherent omissions of the text or because it is not applicable, state so, for example, “The author of this text is unknown,” or “This source does not mention its critics.” Keep in mind that historians often suggest plausible answers to questions for which there is no certain answer, which you may do if you make it clear that these ideas are your own and not fact by making a statement saying so, for example “while it is not known for sure it seems possible that,” or some other similar statement. Follow the format below, answering as many questions as possible in as much detail as possible.
Remember that spelling and grammar count toward the overall grade; therefore students should proofread their work to see that it conforms to the standards of written English before turning it in for evaluation. As always, if you anticipate a problem ask for help.
Subsections of Report: I Purpose of document
• What type of source is it & does it have a title?
• Who is the author and what is her or his place in society, if known?
• When & where was the document created and why?
• Who is the intended audience?
II Argument
• What is being discussed in the document? What arguments or concerns does the author present? Provide at least one example. Explain what you think
• What is the text trying to do? What is the tone? Is it satirical at all?
• Is it propaganda?
• Does the author refute his critics? If so, how?
Presuppositions
• How do the ideas and values in the source differ from the ideas and value of our age? Offer specific examples.

• What presumptions and preconceptions do we, as readers, bring to bear on this text? For instance, what portions of the text might we find objectionable that contemporaries might have found acceptable? Or acceptable that they might have objected to? Cite at least one specific example and compare and contrast the values we hold on that subject, and the values expressed in the text.
• How might the difference between our values and the values of the author influence the way we understand the text? Explain how such a difference in values might lead us to misinterpret the text, or understand it in a way contemporaries would not have. Offer at least one specific example.
Epistemology
• Should we believe this account?
• What do you base your decision on? Explain why you think the author is believable or
not. Be specific.
Relate
• Now choose another of the readings, either required or optional and compare it to your source, answering these questions:
• Which source are you comparing it to?
• Consider aspects such as time period, social and economic similarities or differences, as
well as philosophical and political implications that connect or distance the documents
• How are they similar? How are they different?

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