HIS 3950: Introduction to Digital History
Module Two Weekly Reading,
1. Discussion Board, and
2. Blog Post Instructions
Reading Instructions
Begin each week by reading the primary sources and then follow with the secondary sources. Read the material with the following questions and goals in mind:
Primary Sources
Read and analyze the primary sources first, asking the following questions for each source: When was this source created? Who created it? Why? What is the image of enslavement, slavery, and Caribbean life offered by the author? What was the original form and format of this source? How does the digital format shape the way you interact and engage with this source? How does it enhance your engagement? Are there ways that the digital format detracts from your engagement? How is this engagement different from the way you might interact with the source in its original format?
Secondary Sources
Then read the secondary source. As you read identify the main arguments made by each author(s) regarding 1) the history of Atlantic slavery and the 2) methods and sources we use to study that history. What sources does the author use as evidence to support their claims? What methods does each author use or create to write a history of the enslaved and Caribbean slavery? How do these research methods enable them to exceeds the limits of the archive of slavery? How could digital tools and formats enhance the methods and approaches they propose? How could digital method and format be used to further advance this research and share it with a wider audience?
Digital Source
Finish the reading for the week by exploring the digital sources listed. Ask these questions as you explore: What is this source? Who created it and why? How does it contribute to our understanding of Atlantic slavery and the early modern Caribbean? How does the digital format enable the creators to present materials and data in ways that are not feasible in traditional print publications? Are there ways that this site and the information it contains transforms the way you think about how to study the past? What impact do you think this site will have on scholarship in the future? How might it shape and transform the field.
After you finish the reading complete the weekly discussion board and blog posts.
Part 1- Discussion Board Post
After reading the assigned secondary readings, think about the arguments and claims of each author regarding: 1) the development of Caribbean slavery; 2) the sources that can be used to study that history; 3) the methods that can be used to analyze these sources in order to recover the experiences of the enslaved. With these questions in mind, identify one passage (1-5 sentences) from each reading that you think is essential for answering these questions. Transcribe the passage into your post. Identify the source of the passage (for example, Morgan, Woman’s Sweat, p. 146) Then write 4-5 sentences to explain your choice in light of the author’s overarching argument and methodology.
Each entry should be in this format:
“Quote.” (Author, Abbreviated Title, p. #)
Explanation
Note: You should identify and transcribe a passage and write an explanation for each assigned secondary source. If there are four readings assigned, you should provide four quotes and explanations.
Part2-Blog Post
Once you’ve completed the secondary and digital source readings, return once again to the primary sources and choose a source or source set (like the 3 maps of Jamaica) that you will critically analyze to do one of the following: 1) highlight a silence, omission, or gap in the source essential for understanding the development of Caribbean slavery or 2) identify a trace in the source that presents an opportunity to better understand the experienced of the enslaved.
Once you’ve selected and analyzed your source, create a blog post (200-300 words) in which you use the flexibility of the blog format to guide the reader through a critical analysis. Your blog posts should include images of the source (I recommend screen shots). Consider using the annotation feature of your screenshot program to highlight specific elements or passages in the source for the reader. In addition, you should include quotes and references to the secondary sources read for this week. You are also encouraged to draw on readings from prior weeks.
You should include a Works Cited section at the end of your blog post.
Complete the post by adding 2-3 descriiptive tags that reflect the subject and content of your post.
See the blog post created by Professor Heath for a example. Please note that this is merely an example to help you think about the possibilities. You should develop a bog post that reflects your own analysis and engagement with the source as well as your own creative approach to using this digital platform.
Discussion Board and Blog Posts are due by Sunday evening at 11:59 pm EST of the assigned week.
