Skills

Thesis Writing

Contextualization

• List 3 events that occurred prior to topic [MUST be aligned to topic – e.g., economics, foreign policy, reform movements]

• For each event, explain WHY/HOW the event will lead to the topic

• Final sentence, “These events will lead to ____________ [the focus of the thesis].

Complexity

• A response may demonstrate a complex understanding in a variety of ways, such as:

  • Explaining nuance of an issue by analyzing multiple variables

    • “The rest of the story…”

  • Explaining both similarity and difference, or explaining both continuity and change, or explaining multiple causes, or explaining both cause and effect

  • Explaining relevant and insightful connections within and across periods

    • The old Synthesis

  • Confirming the validity of an argument by corroborating multiple perspectives across themes

    • Themes not used in the thesis

  • Qualifying or modifying an argument by considering diverse or alternative views or evidence a phrase or reference

    • “On the other hand…”

Using Documents

HIPP HELP

The Source Analysis Toolbox

All documents, no matter who wrote them, contain some form of personal bias. It is impossible to truly write objectively. Because EVERYTHING has bias, it is never adequate to simply say “Doc 1 is biased” instead, you must identify and explain the bias using one or more of the tools described in the acronym HIPP. Remember: Start with the source line!

Tool

Questions to Consider

Helpful tips

Historical Situation

• 
  When and where was the source produced?

• What contemporaneous events might have affected the author’s viewpoint and/or message?

• How does the context affect the reliability of the source?

Useful with maps and charts

Intended Audience

• 
  Who was the source created for?

• How might the audience have affected the content of the source?

• Who was the secondary audience?

Use an adjective in front of the audience and then explain the significance of that adjective.

Purpose

• 
  Why did the author create the source?

• What is in it for the author?

• What does she/he have to gain or lose? (fame/money/political power/prestige)

• What type of ACTION or goal did the author want performed or achieved?

• Is there a significant time difference between the source and the event the source is discussing?

The purpose you analyze in HIPP must not be what is obvious in the document. Avoid using “to inform/educate/teach” as the purpose, it is likely too vague.

*Purpose and audience can often be combined.

Point of View

• 
  What characteristics of the author could have shaped the author’s message?

• Is there a clear tone? Sarcastic, authoritarian, exaggerating? Why?

• Are there glaring omissions?

Characteristics include: Class, Occupation, Religion, Nationality, Political position, Ethnicity/race, Gender

Additional tips: You must analyze the source of THREE docs, but you should try for 4-5. Avoid absolute terms, instead speculate about the source saying “may have” or “could have”. Some documents work better with different parts of HIPP, you use them just like tools in a toolbox. If you need the same one every time, that's fine. If you need to use more than one tool to get the job done, that’s fine too.