The critical analysis of original, historical documents is one of the most important and interesting ways to think and write about the past. You are asked to write two primary source critiques during the semester. Each critique should be approximately five-to-six pages (typed, double-spaced, reasonable font and margins). Do not forget page numbering. You are asked to write two primary source critiques during the semester.

The two documents are:

1) Anonymous, "Tomás deves apresentar isto a El Rei" (1821?) Click for PDF Version

2) TBA

The first critique, of the 1821(?) pasquinade "Tomás deves apresentar isto a El Rei," is due at the beginning of class on Tuesday, February 28, 2006. A facsimile of the document appears in Schultz, p. 255.

Each critique should incorporate the following three elements:

1) The first and most basic element is an INTRODUCTORY SECTION that provides a general overview of the assigned text. This element should provide a basic description of the type of source under consideration and its content matter. It should identify the source author, conditions of authorship, and time and place of publication (when known).

2) The second element is a CRITICAL EXPLICATION of the text. At a minimum, this element will explain the major historical personalities, events, and institutions mentioned in the text. A good explication will include a critical analysis of the document's content. The best critical explication will analyze the document's use of language, its biases, and implied audience and describe how these factors relate to the overall significance of the source.

3) The third element involves PLACING THE SOURCE IN ITS PROPER HISTORICAL AND HISTORIOGRAPHIC CONTEXTS. This element will argue how and why the text should be understood relative to other historical figures, trends, and events in Brazilian history. It should also describe how the text fits into ongoing debates about the specific problems in the study of Brazilian history.

You should not feel obligated to strictly follow the sequence of elements listed above. You may, for example, discuss certain historical and historiographic problems at the same time that you develop your critical explication. What is important is that your critique incorporate all three elements. Mere summary or paraphrase of the text, without explication or context, will result in a low grade.

You should not feel obligated to strictly follow the sequence of elements listed above. You may, for example, discuss certain historical and historiographic problems at the same time that you develop your critical explication. What is important is that your critique incorporate all three elements. Mere summary or paraphrase of the text, without explication or context, will result in a low grade.

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.