Owens HIST 390

When studying the history of our soldiers I learned several new ways of gathering and analyzing online information. Some general guidelines when dealing with this type of research are to avoid generalizations, look for historical moments, and consider context. Professor Robertson advised to try and see the world through the subject’s eyes. Then, one must also consider other points of view on the history to better understand and collect information.

One of the best ways to study this information is to gather and analyze primary sources online. This tactic is an area of research that is relatively new to me. The process of reading head written letters and personal accounts seems difficult yet rewarding. Primary sources include, but are not limited to, letters, ledgers, and journals. Once a primary source can be acquired the true study and analysis can take place. In class, I learned that beyond acquiring a primary source it would be equally beneficial to find additional sources that compare and contrast the similarities of the specific event or person being analyzed. Then, for even further study one should research and find information that was compiled and created after the time of the event or person’s life. After, considering the personal primary source, the secondary on-looking source, and the historical source that has recounted the subject you can have a fairly accurate understanding of the history.

The in depth and multifaceted steps of this process are different for me, simply because I am not a history major and haven’t had to do research to this extent and in this way. In my field of study, Communication, we focus on theory so research consists mostly of scholarly journals and articles. However, this process seems new and intriguing to me. In class, I learned that after considering all sources of study one should ask the following questions: what is the background knowledge? Where do you see connections? What is the context? After I do this for myself with the soldier I will be studying, I feel that I will have a better appreciation and understanding of the process.