analyze the primary source document: Columbus’ letter to the King and Queen of Spain, 1494
the primary source document website: https://sourcebooks.fordham.edu/source/columbus2.asp （I uploaded this document just in case you can’t open the website, but you can also use this website to read the document online)
It is very important to review Rael’s “How to Read a Primary Source”. (website: https://courses.bowdoin.edu/writing-guides/reading/how-to-read-a-primary-source/) This chapter from his Reading, Writing and Researching for History will provide you with insight on how to approach answering the questions that are asked below. As you read through the source, you may wish to organize your thoughts by using CLUE or PAPER.
Based on your primary source, answer the following questions:
What is at stake for the creator/author in this text? Why do you think they wrote it? What evidence in the text tells you this? Note: Make sure to identify the correct author. Halsall is not the author but the editor of the website. The author will be identified in the title of the primary source.
What is the document trying to do? How does it make its case? (Similar to why they wrote the document).
Are there arguments or concerns in the document that the creator/author has not clearly stated or argued? If yes, provide a specific example and explain why. (In other words, are there gaps in their reasoning and/or logic? Have they left out key information that could mislead the reader?)
Do you think the creator/author is credible and reliable? Use at least one specific example to explain why. Note: Please review the definitions of credible and reliable in “How to Read a Primary Source” before you answer this question. You will be graded based on the information found on that webpage.
Remember that I am asking you to base your answer JUST on the primary source. You don’t need to do any further research. Connect your interpretation (your answer to the questions) to specific evidence you find in the primary source document.
Compose a 500-750 word response which addresses the questions above, based on specific examples found in the primary source. You will submit your answers in a pdf document. Note: Some students answer each question separately while others compose a short essay with an introduction, thesis and concluding paragraph. Either is acceptable as long as the answers to each question is easily identifiable.
Evaluation/Rubric
Your analysis will be evaluated based on the following criteria. The analysis:
is within the required range of 500-750 words,
is free of any errors in spelling and grammar,
is written in your own words,
provides Chicago Style citations for any quoted or paraphrased material,
answers questions clearly and effectively,
uses direct, specific examples from the primary source, and
analyzes (not summarizes) the primary source.
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