2- Canadian History

Introduction to Canadian History

Assignment: Secondary Source Analyses (20%)

In this assignment you will closely analyse a secondary source in an attempt to understand the historian’s argument (or thesis), how they reinforce that argument, what sources they use, and—if possible—the theoretical frameworks they engage in to best structure that analysis. This is an exercise in close reading. Rather than focusing on the subject of the article (ie. African American workers or school meals), this assignment asks you to explain how the historian analyses that subject, and how they develop and sustain an argument to the subject. Your essay should demonstrate a close engagement with the text you have chosen. Remember: outside research is not required to complete this assignment.

Secondary sources are books, articles, or other sources of information that provides ideas and interpretations about an object/field/person/place of study but does not constitute direct, first-hand evidence. Secondary sources in this class are produced by historians and are based upon their interpretation of primary sources to capture the past and present a compelling argument.

Choose one of the readings provided on the next page. Examine it carefully, and write a 3-page paper (typed, double-spaced) analysing the text. When you read (or look at) the article, consider the following:

1. Who is the author(s)?

2. What is the subject of the paper

3. What is the argument or thesis presented by the author(s)?

4. How does the author build their argument? What major points do they use or refer to? Is it a compelling argument, why or why not?

5. Where was the article published (which journal)? Why might that shape where the author submits their research? Ex. An article on gender in the 19th century in the journal Gender & Society.

6. What might the article reveal about other historians doing similar work? Do they mention anything about this field of inquiry or subject matter? If so, what do they say and why do YOU think it is important?

Do not be concerned if the article addresses a period or subject that we have not fully explored in the course. What is most important is how sensitive you are to the historical evidence and how well you approach the work of historians and that of scholarly inquiry more broadly.

If you make a conjecture and support it with evidence from the article and the conjecture, as a result, makes sense, you will be given credit for this (even if the conjecture turns out to be false).

Do not simply answer the questions listed above. Your secondary source analysis must be in proper essay form and must have coherence and unity. It must include an introductory paragraph, a clear and focussed thesis, strong supporting paragraphs and a meaningful conclusion.

In order to establish a persuasive and well-supported analysis, you must make clear, specific references to the secondary source throughout your paper. You must document all references using Chicago style format. Be sure to provide footnotes (or endnotes) for ALL references to the secondary source.

Articles to Choose From:

Afua Cooper, “Acts of Resistance: Black Men and Women Engage Slavery in Upper Canada,
1793-1803,” Ontario History, Vol.99, Issue 1 (Spring 2007), pp. 5-17.

Naomi Griffiths, “Acadian Identity: The Creation and Re-creation of Community,” Dalhousie
Review 73: 3 (Fall 1993): 325-349.

Jan Noel, “‘Nagging Wife’ Revisited: Women and the Fur Trade in New France,” French
Colonial History, Vol.7 (2006), pp. 45-60.