The Harriet W. Sheridan Center for Teaching and Learning

Methodology for Close Reading/Analysis of Primary Sources:

Text, Objects or Architecture

Rebecca S. More

Department of History, Sheridan Center

Analytical skills are rooted in the ability of the analyst to observe and record data about the chosen subject. The methodology below is designed to help students develop critical analytical skills based on careful observation and recording. These skills may be applied to reading texts, objects, and architecture. This basic approach may be used in the research and writing of analytical essays and oral presentations.

The term "close-reading" describes the essential skill of careful observation and recording of data, whether primary or secondary text documents, objects or large scale architectural structures. The following four (4)-part methodology provides a framework for the close reading process:

•  Text /Object structure and style : begin with a description of the reading(s)/ object based on your observations: for example: identify the assigned material: primary, secondary, artifact. Describe everything you observe in careful detail. Often seemingly insignificant observations become the basis for an original, innovative, analysis.

•  Content : Explain what the reading(s)/or object is about.

•  Context : Identify and explain the context for this reading(s)/object (historical, literary, artistic, etc).

•  Meaning : this is your opportunity to analyze and interpret the meaning and significance of the data observed. This will generate meaningful understanding. Examples of useful questions are:

•  How does the reading/object relate to the course/paper topic and/or to the course goals?

•  What is the significance of this source material for understanding the overall issues raised by this course?

Ed. Note: You may wish to adapt the following "Close Reading Observation Sheet" for students to use during field trips to view objects and/or buildings, or to use with texts. Click here to download an rtf document (which can be opened in Word, or most other word processing applications). You can alter the Observation sheet to suit your specific course goals and objectives.

Field trip: Art, Architecture or Artifacts

Methodology for "Close Reading/Looking" (Syllabus, p. x)

•  Text/object structure/style - objective description

•  Content - what is the text/object about?

•  Context - into what context (historical, literary, etc.) does it fit?

•  Meaning - based on your data in 1-3 above, what is its meaning and significance?

Observation/Objective Description Exercise

Pick only one object/painting/building to describe

1. Text /Object structure/style - objective description

2. Content - what is the text/object about?

3. Context - into what context (historical era, literary, etc.) does it fit?

4. Meaning - based on 1, 2 & 3, what do you think it means?