Module 3 Assignment: HAPPY Analysis

In this module, we learned about analyzing primary source documents using the HAPPY Analysis. For this assignment, you will complete a HAPPY Analysis for one of the primary source documents from the reader for this module or the next.

Instructions:

Step 1: Pick a document to analyze:

Step 2: Fill out the HAPPY Analysis Chart for the document you chose. Remember to do a careful, close reading of your source document and fill out the HAPPY analysis in detail.

H

 Historical Context
  • What is the historical context of this source?
  • Where and when was this source produced? Focus on how place and time affect its impact, message, and genesis.
  • Place it in the appropriate context – connect it with ideas before and after, or related events.

A

 Audience
  • Who is the author’s intended audience?
  • How does the audience affect the validity of the document and its message? E.g., how might their message have been modified or shaped to suit their audience?

P

 Purpose
  • What is the author’s purpose and/or motivation for creating this source?
  • Is this intended to persuade or inform? Is this some sort of propaganda?
  • How does this affect reliability and validity?

P

 Point of View
  • What do you know about the author’s background or point of view?
  • How does the author’s role in society and hierarchy affect their perspective?
  • How does this affect the reliability and validity of the source?

Y

 Why? (Significance)
  • What is the main idea the source is trying to convey?
  • Why is this source important to history?
  • If working on an essay, why does this source relate to your thesis and/or the prompt? (Remember to explain this in your writing.)

STEP 3: Submit your completed chart.

Assignment Grading Rubric:

Criteria Poor Good Excellent
Historical Context The response is off-topic, incomplete, superficial, or lacking in analysis or critique. Provides an accurate response to the prompt, but the information delivered is limited or lacking in analysis. Provides a thoughtful and clear response to this component of the HAPPY Analysis. The response corresponds to specific pieces from the reading. __/2
Audience The response is off-topic, incomplete, superficial, or lacking in analysis or critique. Provides an accurate response to the prompt, but the information delivered is limited or lacking in analysis. Provides a thoughtful and clear response to this component of the HAPPY Analysis. The response corresponds to specific pieces from the reading. __/2
Purpose The response is off-topic, incomplete, superficial, or lacking in analysis or critique. Provides an accurate response to the prompt, but the information delivered is limited or lacking in analysis. Provides a thoughtful and clear response to this component of the HAPPY Analysis. The response corresponds to specific pieces from the reading. __/2
Point of View The response is off-topic, incomplete, superficial, or lacking in analysis or critique. Provides an accurate response to the prompt, but the information delivered is limited or lacking in analysis. Provides a thoughtful and clear response to this component of the HAPPY Analysis. The response corresponds to specific pieces from the reading. __/2
Why? (Significance) The response is off-topic, incomplete, superficial, or lacking in analysis or critique. Provides an accurate response to the prompt, but the information delivered is limited or lacking in analysis. Provides a thoughtful and clear response to this component of the HAPPY Analysis. The response corresponds to specific pieces from the reading. __/2
Total __/10