HISTORY 471
HISTORY OF BRAZIL

PRIMARY SOURCE CRITIQUE GUIDE
http://www.inform.umd.eduSpring02/HIST471/critique.html


You will write a total of four primary source critiques. Each critique should be approximately four pages (typed, double-spaced, reasonable font and margins). Do not forget page numbering.

Assigned Texts

  1. Father Belchoir de Oliveira, "Declaration of Brazilian Independence," The Brazil Reader, pp. 63-64.
  2. Joaquim Nabuco, "Slavery and Society," The Brazil Reader, pp. 143-144.
  3. "Getúlio Vargas' Suicide Note," The Brazil Reader, pp. 222-224.
  4. "Excerpts from the 1967 Brazilian Constitution," The Brazil Reader, pp. 238-240.

Each critique should incorporate the following four elements:

1) A introductory paragraph that provides a general overview of the assigned text. This element should describe the text's author, time and place of publication (when known), general subject matter, and conditions under which the text was written.

2) A critical explication of the text. At a minimum, this element will explain the major historical personalities, events, and institutions mentioned in the text. Better still will be critical analysis of the document's content. The best critical explication will analyze the document's use of language, its biases, and implied audience.

3) A discussion of the text in its proper historical context. This element will argue how and why the text should be understood relative to other historical figures, trends, and events in Brazilian history.

4) Identify and briefly define four key terms found in the document. These terms should be people, places, events, dates, and special vocabulary that is significant to the text.

The second and third elements are the most important.


All students are asked to write by hand and sign the Honor Pledge.

"I pledge on my honor that I have not given or received any unauthorized assistance on this assignment/examination."

For additional information on the Student Honor Pledge, visit http://www.umd.edu/honorpledge.


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