Skip to Main Content

HIST 301: The Historian's Craft (Schechter, Fall 2023)

Understanding Primary Sources

In small groups, look at the following historical documents about the College of William & Mary. 

  • What do these documents tell us about students at W&M in the early 19th century?
    • Who went there?
    • How long did they stay there?
  • What does it tell is about the curriculum?
    • What courses were taught? 
    • Who taught there?
    • What degrees were granted, and how?
  • What does it tell us about the campus?
    • Size? 
  • What are some questions you might ask after reading this document?
    • What confusing aspects do these documents raise?
  • What is contextual information we need to better understand this document?