HAPPY Sourcing Instructional Strategy
HAPPY Sourcing
Who wrote a document? Why did they write it? Where was the document written? What was going on at the time?
I heard the government is going to ____________ (fill in the blank).
In 2023, it is very important to analyze the source to decide if it is credible. Sourcing is a practice that helps us evaluate the stuff of history (books, maps, political cartoons, diaries, etc.), but can also be helpful in our daily lives when we are bombarded with media (social media, TV/radio, and advertisements) that claims to be true.
Sourcing helps us think critically about the information we read, see, and hear.
The HAPPY Sourcing Instructional Stragegy
Historical Context
Audience
Purpose
Point of View
(Wh)Y (Significance)
Putting it into Practice
Directions:
Read two sources from Who Started the Cold War? and complete the HAPPY Sourcing graphic organizer for each document.
Answer the follow-up questions in a small group and then share responses (whole class).
Fishbowl discussion to answer the question "Who Started the Cold War?" After the discussion, have students return to groups and create a T Chart of reasons to support the argument that the US/USSR was mainly responsible for starting the Cold War. Groups stand and share their arguments.
Optional Writing Sample: write a five paragraph essay to respond to this prompt, "How did each of these nations perceive the other, and how does this help you figure out who might have been to blame for starting the Cold War?"
Two Sources
Follow-up questions
After you’ve completed the tool for each of the primary source documents, answer these follow-up questions.
How do the authors differ in their analysis of who was responsible for starting the Cold War?
What are the similarities between the documents?
How does each source try to convince the audience of his argument regarding this topic?
How do these sources help you answer the question, "Who Started the Cold War?"
Five Paragraph Essay
Your essays should include the following elements:
1. Introduction: A paragraph that includes a thesis statement and provides the historical context necessary to understand this event and how the thesis relates to this context.
2. Body paragraph 1: An analysis of the first primary source document that includes information on how your reading of this text supports your thesis statement. This paragraph should focus on the point of view or perspective of the author.
3. Body paragraph 2: An analysis of the second primary source document that includes information on how your reading of this text supports your thesis statement. This paragraph should focus on the point of view or perspective of the author.
4. Body paragraph 3: An analysis of how understanding the differing perspectives of these sources helps you determine who might have been to blame for starting the Cold War.
5. Conclusion: A paragraph that synthesizes the information in your essay and how your conclusions support your thesis statement.