February 2 2015

Conventions of Writing in History: 

History as a content area is one that is woven closely to literacy. In the practice of studying history, one is constantly reading, interpreting and analyzing texts, as well as practising various forms of writing. Certainly, history classes will often include essays, analyses, comparative works, and research elements, which asks students to read and write. However there is almost a deeper form of literacy which takes place in the history classroom, alongside of these popular conventions, which takes the form of artefacts, pictures, posters, and cultural artefacts such as music, fashion etc. In history, students are learning how to be literate in these aspects through developing their skills as critical thinkers. The goal in history is to make critical observations of history and form an interpretation of the purpose and meaning of facts. Developing these skills (i.e. critical thinking, analysis and interpretation), are often achieved through various conventions of writing.

Anna's Checklist for Writing Critically, Analytically, and Conveying Interpretation in History:

• Record your observations: (Write point-form in an observations list) 
• What do you see? 
• What do you hear? 
• What do you feel?
• What do you think? 
• What facts are being presented?
• Compare perspectives: (Make a comparative chart or graphic organizer)
• What perspectives are being presented?
• Who is the intended audience? 
• What is the purpose or meaning? 
• Why/how does this fit in the context of the historical concept/period? 
• Formulate Questions: (Write as many questions as possible in a graphic organizer, jotted notes, lists, etc.) 
• What information is missing?
• What morals and ethics are evoked in both the historical and contemporary perspectives?
• Take a Stance: (Formulate a Thesis) 
• Write down what you think about the question
• Organize your main ideas
• Write the same thesis in multiple ways (i.e. word choice) and chose the one which is most clearly representative of what you believe
• Organize your Ideas: (Make an outline of your ideas)
• Summarize the facts
• Present your question(s)
• Formulate your Thesis and supporting points
• Read Read Read- gather your research via jotted notes and lists, concept maps 
• Get it on paper: 
• Expand on your outline- all your ideas are already there 
• Get creative- once your ideas are down, get creative in word choice, flow, articulation 
• Summarize paragraphs into 2 sentences to ensure clarity and persisting in expressing your points