Critical Commentary Instructions
A critical commentary is a short essay that introduces a historical document. It provides basic information about what the document is, what cultural and historical context influenced its author in creating it, and why youthe historianbelieve it was important, convincing, effective, or ineffective.
Note: You will be writing this essay in Turnitin Clarity’s (VERY SENSITIVE) online word processor as part of a pilot program. Clarity will automatically save your work as you go, provide feedback, and check for plagiarism. For more information, refer to the Getting Started page and FAQ provided by your course.
TEXTBOOK LINKS MUST USE!!!!!
Selected Document
For this critical commentary, we will be using:
Getting Started
If you are having trouble figuring out where to start, the questions and prompts on the historical thinking chart may be helpful.
Your commentary should include a thesis statement and make an argument about the source.
Requirements and Scoring (100 points total)
STYLE (15 points)
Requirements:
- 700900 words
- Plain 11- or 12-point font
- Identify the name, author, and date of the document
- Consist of multiple readable paragraphs
- Include at least three direct quotations, properly quoted
- Clear thesis statement near the beginning of the essay
- You may use outside sources but cite
Helpful resources include guides on thesis statements and analytical writing provided in class materials.
IDENTIFICATION (25 points)
Provide a clear and accurate summary of the document, including:
- Date and place of origin
- Authorship
- Type of document (speech, article, etc.)
- Argument or purpose
- Intended audience
CONTEXT (30 points)
Explain the broader historical context:
- What was happening at the time?
- What major social or political issues relate to this document?
- What is the big picture needed to understand it?
- What was the authors purpose?
Use evidence such as:
- Quotes from the document
- Information from textbook, lectures, or course materials
Tip: Each document corresponds to a chapter in the textbook, which can help you understand the context.
ANALYSIS (30 points)
Analysis means explaining the meaning and significance of the source.
In your essay:
- Clearly evaluate the authors argument in your thesis
- Explain what the author is trying to accomplish
- Identify the intended audience
- Discuss why the source is historically significant
- State whether you agree or disagree and explain why
- Identify any missing perspectives or limitations
Support your ideas with specific evidence from both:
- The document
- Its historical context
Important: Historical analysis is different from literary analysis. Do not focus on techniques like ethos, pathos, or logos. Instead, focus on what the document reveals about history on both:
- A micro level (individuals and events)
- A macro level (larger historical patterns or themes)
Additional Resources
You may use:
- Guides on understanding perspective in primary sources
- Historical thinking charts
- Sample student papers (high-scoring examples from past classes)
Sample Outline (Optional)
Paragraph 1: Introduction
- Who created the document and when
- Type of document
- Intended audience
- Historical significance
- Relevant historical context
- Your thesis
Paragraph 2: Summary
- Main points of the document
- Authors message and perspective
- Include quotations
Paragraph 3: Analysis
- Evaluate the authors argument
- Discuss reliability and limitations
- State whether you agree or disagree and why
Conclusion
- Why the document matters
- How it contributes to our understanding of history
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