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CMP 200 - McClure: Primary Sources

Guide prepared to accompany Dr. McClure's CMP 200 project on salons.

Databases with PRIMARY SOURCES

On the A-Z Database page

Under the ALL SUBJECTS menu 

Select the Category called PRIMARY SOURCES

There are 99 databases of primary sources there, scroll through and look for one that fits your person

Primary Sources

A primary source is a document or physical object which was written or created during the time under study. These sources were present during an experience or time period and offer an inside view of a particular event. Some types of primary sources include:

  • ORIGINAL DOCUMENTS (excerpts or translations acceptable): Diaries, speeches, manuscripts, letters, interviews, news film footage, autobiographies, official records 
  • CREATIVE WORKS: Poetry, drama, novels, music, art 
  • RELICS OR ARTIFACTS: Pottery, furniture, clothing, buildings

Examples of primary sources include:

  • Diary of Anne Frank - Experiences of a Jewish family during WWII 
  • The Constitution of Canada - Canadian History 
  • A journal article reporting NEW research or findings 
  • Weavings and pottery - Native American history 
  • Plato's Republic - Women in Ancient Greece

Here is a short YouTube video that defines and gives examples of Primary and Secondary Sources: