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Going to the Sources
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It's been almost 30 years since the first edition of Going to the Sources: A Guide to Historical Research and Writing was first published. Newly revised and updated, the sixth edition of this bestselling guide helps students at all levels meet the challenge of writing their first (or their first "real") research paper. Presenting various schools of thought, this useful tool explores the dynamic, nature, and professional history of research papers, and shows readers how to identify, find, and evaluate both primary and secondary sources for their own writing assignments. This new edition addresses the shifting nature of historical study over the last twenty years. Going to the Sources: A Guide to Historical Research and Writing includes: A new section analyzing attempts by authors of historical works to identify and cultivate the appropriate public for their writings, from scholars appealing to a small circle of fellow specialists, to popular authors seeking mass readership A handy style guide for creating footnotes, endnotes, bibliographical entries, as well as a list of commonly used abbreviations Advanced Placement high school and undergraduate college students taking history courses at every level will benefit from the engaging, thoughtful, and down-to-earth advice within this hands-on guide.
Call Number: eBookISBN: 9781119262831Publication Date: 2017-04-27
Offensive
Primary source materials may contain language or images that are considered to be offensive in today's world.
These materials reflect the language and culture of the time period in which they were written.
A primary source is original material, recorded in various formats, during the time of the event or person which you are researching. Primary sources can also be recorded after the events, such as an autobiography.
Many materials are considered primary sources, for example:
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In what formats are primary sources available?
Primary sources are available in many formats.
- Artifacts
- Books
- Digitized versions available online
- Interviews which could be recordings or transcriptions or one you personally conduct
- Microfilm or microfiche
- Newsprint
- Original Paper Documents
- Sound Recordings such as: Radio Programs, Audio tapes, MP3s, or Cds
- Video Recordings such as: DVDs, VHS, Film, or Streaming Video files online
The formats in which primary sources can be found will continue to evolve with the changes in modern technology.
Primary vs. Secondary Sources Video
Secondary Sources
Secondary sources are documents created by people removed in time from a historical event, or who were not present when the event happened. Secondary sources may include reactions and opinions of people far removed from the event being studied. Samples of secondary sources include textbooks, biographies, essays, and literary criticism.
Attribution
Portions of this guide are reused and adapted with permission from:
- Christopher Newport University: Primary Sources: About
- Christopher Newport University: Primary Sources: Home
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This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial 4.0 International License.