4-2 Activity: Analyzing Historical Narratives

Overview

Each historical event was experienced, perceived, and remembered differently depending on the person, which means there are many competing narratives of a single event. In this activity, you will compare the narratives represented in each of your sources.

Prompt

Use the provided Module Four Activity Template: Historical Narratives Word Document to complete this activity. First, you will locate an additional secondary source related to your historical event. You will then compare the narratives about your historical event in each of your sources (two primary and two secondary). Finally, you will choose a narrative you believe has been the most influential in terms of what is known about your historical event.

Specifically, you must address the following rubric criteria:

• Compare the narratives presented in your primary and secondary sources relevant to your historical event.
  • Apply the source analysis skills from the previous activity to help you compare the narratives about your historical event. Describe the stories told in each source about your historical event. Provide evidence from your sources to support your descriptions of the narratives. Consider the following questions:
    • How are the narratives in each source similar and/or different?
    • How has the story of your historical event and key figure or group (identified in the previous module) been told in the past and the present?
    • From which perspectives are the narratives told?
    • What was occurring in society at the time of the event, such as politics, the economy, and entertainment?
• Describe one narrative that has significantly influenced the contemporary understanding of your historical event.
  • Select one narrative from the four you analyzed. Choose the narrative that you think has been the most influential in terms of what is known and unknown about your historical event. Explain why you chose this narrative and how it has impacted our current understanding of the event.
• Explain how the chosen narrative helps you better understand your historical research question.
  • How does the narrative you chose expand, support, or challenge your research question?

Guidelines for Submission

Submit the Module Four Activity Template: Historical Narratives. Sources should be cited according to APA style. Consult the Shapiro Library APA Style Guide for more information on citations.