Discussion Post
For this discussion post, we are going to work on examining secondary sources (American Yawp and another textbook, Exploring American Histories chapter 3 and 4 Asking questions about what you've read is important when investigating primary sources--you've been doing that this semester in your discussions and writing assignments. Reading for history is also important in evaluating secondary sources that historians write to provides context for the primary sources we read and analyze. Think back to your reading of David Chioni Moore's essay "How to Read," earlier this semester (re-read it if necessary). Think about what you've already read from American Yawp on the New Nation/Early Republic era this week. Now, read how this same era is covered in another textbook, Hewitt/Lawson's Exploring American Histories in their chapter "The Early Republic: 1790-1820."
1) What do the editors/authors emphasize in the assigned chapters from each book?
2) What is the point of view/perspective of the editors/authors in the assigned chapters from each book? Are they judgmental? Do they offer up heroes? villains?
3) Does the narrative in of the books seem more familiar to you than the other? Why?
4) Doe the editors/authors of either book (based on this week's assigned chapters) shape/change your thinking on this period in American history? How?
The response must include a reference list. Using Times New Roman 12 pnt font, double-space, one-inch margins, and APA style of writing and citations.