Primary Source Analysis on Odysseus Returns to Ithaca

Task:

Primary Source Analysis on Odysseus returns to Ithaca FORMAT Primary source analyses will be 3 full pages, double spaced, with standard 1-inch margins in Times New Roman 12 pt. font. Place your name, course information (HUM 2220), and the due date at the top of the page, aligned left. On the next line, place your title for the assignment, center aligned. Include page numbers at the top right [Insert ? Page Number ? Top of Page ? Plain Number 3]. All paragraphs must be indented by 0.5 inches. Under Paragraph settings, check the box labelled "Don't add space between paragraphs of the same style." Your paper must be in .doc or .docx format. If you do not own Microsoft Office, it is available to all Valencia students on Atlas. Sign in to Atlas, and you will see it available to download under the My Atlas tab, on the right hand side. Like in other writing, this analysis should have an introduction, main body, and conclusion. As in most professional writing, avoid 1st and 2nd person pronouns (I, me, my, you, us, etc.). Avoid pejorative comments such as “I hated this passage” or “this passage has no historical value.” Such phrases are inappropriate in academic writing. STRUCTURE A primary source analysis IS NOT A BOOK REPORT. Rather, it is an effort to interpret the source to better understand its creator and the culture or society it came from. A good analysis paper demonstrates that the student has read and thought about the source in an analytical/critical manner. While you will need to describe and summarize the content of the source, this should not be the sole purpose or majority of your analysis Introduction The introduction should capture the reader’s attention and make them want to read the analysis in its entirety.

It should:

1) Describe the source (what is it called? what kind of primary source is it?)

2) Who wrote/made/created the source?

3) Provide a brief summary of its contents.

Body The body should include the bulk of your analysis of the source. It is here where you should be answering the important questions about the source you chose.

These questions are:

1) What is the historical context of the source?

2) Who is its audience? Who would have read it?

3) When was it created?

4) Why was it created?

5) What does this source tell us about the society and culture that it was created in?

6) What values, beliefs, and goals shaped its creation?

7) What does the author want readers to think about the source?

8) What attitude or feeling is the author conveying to readers? To support your analysis, you may use the textbook. If you do so, you must cite it properly. See the Chicago Style Cheat Sheet and the Sample Format Paper in Files for details on citations and formatting. Do not abuse footnotes to shorten the length of your papers. You will not need more than one or two footnotes per page. REMEMBER: Never claim the work of another as your own. That is plagiarism, and you will be penalized. Conclusion At the end of your paper, take the time to offer your personal opinion. Once again, do not use first person pronouns. So do not use phrases like “I think,” “I believe,” or “my opinion is.” Convey your personal thoughts with strong, direct language. Do not say whether or not you thought the source was exciting or boring.

I expect that some of the material may bore you. Many scholars in the humanities feel the same way when they read some sources and books. When forming your opinion, consider questions such as:

1) What about the source makes you curious?

2) What questions do you have about the source? 3) What additional information would you need to know in order to deepen your understanding of the ideas expressed in the source?