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HIST 4690: Research Seminar Writing Revolution (Harder) Fall 2025, 4690-01

Course guide for research sources for HIST 4690

Finding Primary Sources

Look for primary sources referenced in secondary and tertiary sources.  Use textbooks, class, and library bibliographies for recommended titles of primary sources.  Browse the library shelves where you can find primary sources alongside secondary sources in the same subject area.

Using the Library Catalog and Databases to Find Primary Sources

Search Tips

When searching print and online access tools, use search terms such as SOURCES, CORRESPONDENCE, PERSONAL NARRATIVES, DIARIES, RECORDS AND CORRESPONDENCE, SERMONS, SPEECHES, PAPERS.

  • Use the asterisk to truncate and search for variations of a word, including plural forms

             Examples:  “Middle East” AND source*

                                      Haiti* AND revolution AND “personal narrative*”

  • Use quotation marks to search for a phrase rather than individual words

             Example: “Arab Spring” AND paper**