What are the strengths and limitations of using historical newspapers as sources for research? As we move further into a technological era, what sources do you think will be most valuable for learning the details of events that occurred in the 21st century?

Pearl Harbor Newspaper Aricles

20th Century Event Newspaper Assignment
Possible Points: 30
Due Date: November 28

According to the Center for History and News Media, George Mason University, “Historians generally use newspapers for three purposes: learning facts about specific events; looking for long-term trends; and searching for details or the “texture” surrounding an event—a fact or story that illuminates or complicates a larger pattern.”

You will choose a twentieth century event – any event – and examine how that event was reported in newspapers at the time. If you are interested in exploring WWI or WWII, it might be a good idea to focus on a specific event related to the war since the world wars are so large in scope.

Basic Requirements:
Choose a twentieth century event – one you’re interested in or one you have a personal connection to
Collect 3 newspaper articles on your event
Compare the newspaper’s coverage of the event. Where do the stories align? In what ways do they differ? What different perspectives are represented? What context or “texture” do you learn about your historical event? [At least two paragraphs here]
Compare how your event was reported in newspapers to how it was presented in the textbook or another secondary source or article. What details does the newspaper provide that secondary sources written long after the event do not provide?
What are the strengths and limitations of using historical newspapers as sources for research? As we move further into a technological era, what sources do you think will be most valuable for learning the details of events that occurred in the 21st century?

Digital Newspaper Collections:
Chronicling America
New York Times Historical Newspaper
Google News Archives
https://newspapers.ushmm.org/
https://www.nypl.org/research/collections/articles-databases/americas-historical-newspapers

What you will submit:
A Word or Google document, double-spaced, twelve-point font
At least two well-constructed paragraphs providing an analysis of your event as portrayed through the newspapers considering the questions presented in bullet #3
At least one well-constructed paragraph answering the questions in bullet #4
At least one well-constructed paragraph  answering the questions in bullet #5
A Works Cited page with a list of the newspaper articles consulted at the end of your analysis/essay
Direct quotes limited to 10% of your analysis
Use of your own words
Assignment will be uploaded to the dropbox on Canvas

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