Evaluating Primary Sources and Connecting them to Secondary
Evaluating Primary Sources and Connecting them to Secondary
Evaluating Primary Sources and Connecting them to Secondary
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Part B: Finding Relevant <strong>Secondary</strong> <strong>Sources</strong><br />
Using the secondary source search skills we have reviewed in class (in library on 24<br />
September):<br />
a) Find one, peer reviewed journal article on your <strong>to</strong>pic from an academic<br />
journal (not a review article or a book review) that McMaster Library owns<br />
(print or online). Provide a citation using Chicago Manual of Style Online<br />
(notes <strong>and</strong> bibliography system). Do not select an article that is already part<br />
of the course reading.<br />
b) Read the article, not just the abstract. Outline the main argument of the<br />
author (50-100 words). Copying the existing abstract is not acceptable.<br />
c) Look at the references in the article. Select <strong>and</strong> find one of the sources. You<br />
should try <strong>to</strong> find another peer-reviewed article.Provide a citation according <strong>to</strong><br />
the Chicago Manual of Style Online.<br />
d) Outline the main argument of the author (50-100 words).<br />
In the unlikely event that you cannot find a peer reviewed article as one of the<br />
sources, please contact me.<br />
End this section with a restatement or revision of the research question, as<br />
appropriate. A restatement indicates that you still find the original research question<br />
your best guide, a revision indicates your thinking is changing. There is no “better”<br />
answer here. In some cases, a revision will be better, in others a restatement is<br />
appropriate.<br />
PART C: Websites as sources of primary material<br />
Select two of the websites listed below.<br />
• Peace <strong>and</strong> War in the 20th Century, http://pw20c.mcmaster.ca/<br />
• Canadian Great War Project, http://www.canadiangreatwarproject.com/index.asp<br />
• Canadian Letters <strong>and</strong> Images Website, http://www.canadianletters.ca/<br />
• Library <strong>and</strong> Archives Canada, Military <strong>and</strong> Peacekeeping,<br />
http://www.collectionscanada.gc.ca/war-military/index-e.html<br />
• National Archives [UK], Looking for records of the First World War,<br />
http://www.nationalarchives.gov.uk/records/looking-for-subject/firstworldwar.htm<br />
• Imperial War Museum, http://www.iwm.org.uk/collections/search<br />
• National Archives of Australia http://www.naa.gov.au/index.aspx<br />
Analyze two of these websites, using what you determine are the most important<br />
evaluation criteria (at least three) in determining the quality of the documentary <strong>and</strong><br />
other material found on <strong>them</strong>. We will be discussing evaluation criteria during class on<br />
15 Oc<strong>to</strong>ber.<br />
The final line of your analysis should indicate whether/how this website is relevant <strong>to</strong><br />
your research question. If you find that one of the websites is not so relevant, that is<br />
fine. If none of <strong>them</strong> seem relevant, please contact me.<br />
At the <strong>to</strong>p of your critique, provide the citations for the two sites you have selected using
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