Comparative Analysis of Primary Sources

Learning Objectives

•  Identify assumptions and categories of thought in primary source documents.
•  Compare the treatment of a common topic or category of thought in primary source 
documents. 
Assignment Description 
Write a 4 page paper critically analyzing two primary source documents from the Blackboard site for this course, or others selected in consultation with the instructor. In your essay, compare how two sources treat a common theme, idea, or term. Do not summarize your sources. Think critically to compare and contrast a theme within the texts. 
Directions

1. Identify two primary sources on Blackboard to use for this assignment.
2. Using the handout “Analysis of Primary Sources,” identify a theme, idea, or term within 
your sources that you can use to draw comparisons between the two texts.
3. Come up with an argument, in the form of a thesis statement, then outline your paper 
in detail around subtopics in support of your thesis.
4. After outlining thoroughly, write a 4 page essay comparing a theme within your two 
primary sources. See formatting and guidelines below for assistance.
5. Turn in your essay on Blackboard on the Assessments page for Module 8 by Friday 
October 10, 11:59pm EDT. If you have trouble uploading your essay, email it to me in advance of the deadline. It is your responsibility to deliver your paper to me on time.

Formatting and Guidelines

•  The main text of your paper should be 4 pages in length.
•  Use 12 point font, double spaced with reasonably standard margins (approximately 1”).
•  Title your essay “A Comparative Analysis of [your selected theme] in Two Primary 
Sources” Ex.: “A Comparative Analysis of the Concept of Nature in Two Primary 
Sources”
•  Refer frequently to your primary sources and cite them appropriately throughout.
•  Be sure your essay contains an introduction with a thesis statement, several well 
defined paragraphs covering subtopics in support of your thesis, and a conclusion that 
summarizes your major points and relates them back to your main argument.
•  Use the Chicago Manual of Style for citations and formatting.

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