To Think Like a Historian

Essay Instructions:

What have you learned this semester about thinking like a historian ?

Write a reflection that draws on the various sources we have used this semester as examples to support your thesis in terms of how do you understand what it means to think like a historian.

What not to do:
1. Do not talk about how you really liked the module on WWII, for example, and start talking about the details of WWII that you really liked.
2. Even though it encourages me, do not focus on random things about this class that you liked. And of course, that means, don’t focus on random things you didn’t like about this class (even though I welcome your feedback). After you get your grade, feel free to write me an email to give me a piece of your mind. :)
What to do:
1. Draw on Sam Wineburg’s article again to help you think through what it means to be a historian
2. Draw on specific sources and ideas discussed in the module that really helps crystallize for you what it means to “do history”
3. Support your paper with multiple sources to really illustrate how these were “aha” moments that really helped
make sense what it means to think like a historian.
What I’m looking for:
1. It is coherent and well organized as opposed to scattershot with paragraph to paragraph loosely connected
2. You’ve got great examples that really support what you’re trying to argue and you can talk about these things with specific details.
3. Your honest voice in this piece

Write a 800 word essay that includes:
An introduction that a clear thesis statement about what it means to think like a historian (from a broad perspective). Here, I'm most interested in how you express this in your own words.
A discussion of the 3 key ideas in Sam Wineburg's paper "Thinking Like A Historian" (sourcing, close reading, contextualization) that is supported with examples from sources used in our course this semester. One paragraph for each key idea.
Your personal voice in terms of what you learned and what really stood out to you this semester.

When you are ready, go ahead and hit the submit tab to upload your paper.
DUE DATE: JUNE 11

Grading guideline:
45-50 points: Clear thesis statement that is accurate and relates well to Sam Wineburg's key ideas on thinking like a historian. You have a good grasp of the concepts and demonstrate this understanding through good example choices and explanation from sources we discussed this semester. Your paper has a consistent logical flow.
40-45 points: You have a thesis that is accurate. The relationship between Sam Wineburg's concepts and the examples you use to illustrate and support your main points are at times not super clear. You may have missed some key details and one or two of your main points might not be well supported with good evidence.
35-40 points: You have a thesis, but it is not clearly expressed. Your discussion of some of the main points has flaws, inconsistencies, and/or gaps in analysis. The evidence you cite is often vague and connection between concept and evidence is unclear or unexplained.
30-35 points: I don't expect many of you to fall into this range. You provide more of a summary of materials than synthesis and analysis. Weak to no thesis statement.
25-30 points: Don't skip this assignment. Basically, write anything and turn in anything in good faith and you'll get at least this many points.

Essay Sample Content Preview:

What Does it Mean to Think Like a Historian
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What Does it Mean to Think Like a Historian?
A historian is an individual that studies and writes about the past, presenting it with a sense of authority. History is concerned with continuous, methodical narrative and research of different historical times and past events that have impacted the human race. According to the American Historical Association head, History inspires critical thinkers who can sift through substantial amounts of information and piece them together to make sense. It endows individuals with the enlightenment of informed convictions and the ability to debate on real issues. This essay reflects what it means to think like a historian regarding the work of Sam Weinburg.
For many individuals, History is equated to facts, names, and dates, consequently raising the question of the motive of studying History. The idea is that History can be a way of thinking that can be influential in the approach to everyday life. Excellent instructors are aware of this; however, many history students and the curious public fail to grab this concept. At the moment, individuals have access to information through smartphones that are efficient than any libraries from the years 1900 to 1970. However, the modern library lacks semblance and gatekeeping, meaning it is difficult for individuals to differentiate fact and fiction (Wineburg, 2018).
Historians pride themselves on providing evidence for any of their claims. This is done through a dedicated routine of investigation of historical facts. For instance, a historian can expand on projects left by reputable colleagues in the field, increasing the possibility of new findings. Solid evidence is needed for an accurate conclusion; therefore, liaising with Archeologists can help explain how past events shaped modern societies. To achieve this, an individual needs to be objective in dealing with different perspectives and points of view of History. Consequently, they will refrain from creating biases that will invalidate any claims of credibility.
A historian has a set of primary responsibilities: conducting historical research, liaising with museums, reviewing publications, collaborating, and writing bibliographies. This is done with a sense of accountability to one's reputation and that of the department. Technology has enabled people from all places and ages to share information, consequently blurring the lines on responsibility. In January 2015 and June 2016, Wineburg's research team researched the ability of American students to judge web sources. Eighty-two percent of the students had no ability to distinguishing between an ad and a story (Elliot, 2018). Less than ten percent of the college students managed to identify partisan's lea...

Updated on January 26, 2024

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To Think Like a Historian

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