The foundation of history is research and interpretation of sources, but to what extent are historians influenced by the types of materials they find and use? Do research techniques affect the historian's final written work? Good scholars know that research requires skill, practice, and patience. Missed sources can break an historian's argument. Similarly, solid research techniques can help produce an entirely new discourse.

The internet has many useful tools for historical research. Like printed texts, however, some of these tools are more useful than others. Just because something is online (or in print) does not necessarily mean it is trustworthy. Finding these resources can be tricky.

In this assignment you will use the techniques you have learned over the past semester to find three primary sources online related to Gabriel Kolko's book The Anatomy of War. [1] You will create six webpages where you will outline your research process. The requirements for each page are listed below.

1. Kolko's The Anatomy of War.

• Read Kolko and identify his argument and bias.
• Just as the historian shapes the interpretation of history by his/her use of "historical facts," history shapes the historian. [2] Research Kolko online and give a brief biography. How might his past have shaped his interpretation of Vietnam?

2. Pre-Search

• What resources could you use to find materials online? Databases? Search engines?
• Identify one database in Milner's catalog that you could use to find primary sources on Vietnam. Why did you choose it? Why would it be useful?
• List some search terms (keywords) you could use to find online resources.

3. Search

• Do a basic Google search using one of your keywords. Problems?
• Do another search in a different search using the same keyword. (ex. Yahoo, Ask, Vivisimo) Did you find the same resources?
• Refine your search; try using advanced features. Did you have more success this time? Why?

4. Primary Sources

• Identify a theme or topic from Kolko's book that interests you.
• Choose three primary sources from the webpages you found that deal with this topic.
• Why did you choose them?
• How do they fit within the scope of Kolko's book? Do they support or contradict his argument?

5. Conclusions

• Give an overview of your research experience.
• Acknowledge anyone who helped you with this project: classmates, teacher, etc.

6. Bibliography

• Identify the resources you found using the Chicago Manuel of Style.

Expectations and Suggestions:

General:

• The text should be well-written and spell-checked.
• Any sources you use should be footnoted. (Suggestion: Use internal links.)
• Use the Chicago Manuel of Style for footnotes and the bibliography.
• I do not expect graphic designer quality webpages, but I do expect you to follow the guidelines below.

Webpage Design:

• Webpages should flow smoothly from one page to the next. There should be six distinct webpages, not one long webpage.
• Make sure your text is legible, especially if you do not use a white background with black text. (Remember our discussion on good and bad webpages).
• Do not using flashing or red text. (Note: People who are color blind cannot read red text.).
• Do not use Word or Frontpage for your coding. Microsoft's products add unneeded code. Either code by hand or use Dreamweaver.
• If you do decide to use pictures, make sure they are not copyrighted. Remember, even if you alter a copyrighted image, it still technically belongs to the original creator. Either write the creator and ask for permission to use their images or use pictures from creative commons. You can search creative commons here. (Also make sure you use "alt" tags with images, so visually impaired people can "see" the image.)
• Suggestion: Use screencaps to illustrate your research process.

Grading Scale

A = Has clearly spent time looking at, identifying, and evaluating resources. The webpages flow smoothly from one to the next. Understands Kolko's basic argument and has used the primary sources to better understand some aspect of Vietnam.

B = Needs a more substantive evaluation of resources. Understands basic HTML but needs to work on refining techniques. Has selected some good resources but does not quite understand how to use them with the text.

C = Identifies resources but does not evaluate them well. Clearly needs more practice with HTML and webpage design. Needs to read Kolko more carefully before analyzing the primary sources.

D = Identifies resources; no evaluation or analysis. Needs substantial work on HTML. Clearly has not read the book. Could have found and used better primary sources.

F = Does not identify resources or evaluate them. No knowledge of webpage design. Has not read Kolko or identified primary sources. Clearly has not put any thought into this project.

[2]Carr, E.H. What is History? New York: Vintage Books, 1961. <Return>

<Return to Top of Page>