Text Analysis Rubric

Text Analysis Rubric

Purpose:
Develop skills in historical research of primary sources, by extrapolating the arguments and meanings of various historical authors.

Rubric:
1.) Display a reading knowledge of the assignment and take comprehensive notes on the reading
2.) Demonstrate an intelligible understanding of the author’s argument and purpose for writing
3.) Discuss your analysis of the reading in a small-group discussion setting [OR in large group, full-class discussion (according to discretion of instructor).]

For Facilitators:
4.) Lead small-group discussion of assigned reading
5.) Prepare Facilitator prep sheet for group discussion and to submit to instructor at end of class period
6.) Send a follow-up email to the instructor regarding the quality of participation from your small group members.

For Participators:
4.) Participate in small-group discussion of assigned reading
5.) Be prepared to share small-group consensus with the larger class

Facilitator prep sheet
--Who is writing?
--Who is the audience?
--Who do the writers represent?
--What is being said, argued and/or requested?
--How is it being said, argued and/or requested?
--What proof and/or justification is being used to legitimize the request?

Circular Letter of the Boston Committee of Correspondence; May 13, 1774


--Who is writing?
The writers of the Circular Letter of the Boston Committe of Correspndence are the towns people of Boston.
....."it is said that [a] fleet of British ships of war is to block up our harbour until we shall make restitution to the East India Company"


--Who is the audience?
I believe the audience of this document is to the people of Boston. The writers were just average towns people trying to warn everyone else.
..."The single question then is, whether you consider Boston as now suffering in the common cause.."

--Who do the writers represent?
The writers were just average towns people trying to inform everyone else.
sincerely..
"Your friends and fellow countrymen."


--What is being said, argued and/or requested?
The fellow town men of Boston are being informed that their colony has been taken under control by the British military. They are being punished for the East India Tea incident-- The Boston Tea Party that rebeled against the taxes. Because of the colony's defiance,Great Britan wants to punish the men.
Even though they recieved a new British Parliament, they encourage the colonists to still stay strong and believe in the freedom rights they pursue in America.
..."We desire your answer by the bearer; and after assuring you that, not in the least intimidated by this inhumane treatment, we are still determined to maintain to the utmost of our abilities the rights of America, we are, gentlemen,
Your friends and fellow countrymen."


--How is it being said, argued and/or requested?
It is in letter formation clarifying that they have recieved the Act of the British Parliament which is setting down the new rules for Boston.
..."We have just received the copy of an Act of the British Parliament passed in the present session whereby the town of Boston is treated in a manner the most ignominious, cruel, and unjust. "


--What proof and/or justification is being used to legitimize the request?
Proof that is being used to legitimize the request is that throughout the document, they are notifyingthe colonists what the new Act of the British Parliament has in store for Boston.
..."This Act fills the inhabitants with indignation"
..."Their grand object is to divide the colonies"