Think like a Historian

Point of View (POV)

An opinion or perspective belonging to the author of a historical account

Historical Context

The setting and circumstances of the time the historical account was made

Contextualizing

Taking into consideration how the author was influenced by their surroundings

Sourcing

examining the "who" "what" "when" "where" "why" of a document

Primary Source

First-hand accounts of an event created by an eyewitness

Secondary Source

Accounts of events created at a later date and by someone who was not present at the event

Corroboration

Comparing different sources to gain a more accurate account of the past

Close Reading

Examining important details in text or language in order to understand a historical account

Research

The gathering and investigation of evidence in order to reach new conclusions

Historical Account

A record of the past

Credible

believable or reliable