Quick Help: Guidelines for reading texts in the humanities

• Be clear about the purpose of the text. The two most common purposes for works in the humanities are to provide information and to argue for a particular interpretation. Pay attention to whether the text presents opinions or facts, to what is included and omitted, and to how facts are presented to the audience. (12d)
• Get an overall impression. What does the work make you think about—and why? What is most remarkable or memorable? What confuses you?
• Annotate the text. Be prepared to “talk back,” ask questions, note emerging patterns or themes, and point out anything out of place or ineffective. (Chapter 7)
• Look at the context. Consider the time and place represented in the work as well as when and where the writer lived. You may also consider social, political, or personal forces that may have affected the writer.
• Think about the audience. Who are the readers or viewers the writer seems to address? Do they include you?
• Pay attention to genre. What category does the work fall into (graphic novel, diary, political cartoon, sermon, argumentative essay, Hollywood western)? What is noteworthy about the form? How does it conform to, stretch, or even subvert your expectations about the genre? (2f)
• Pay attention to visual elements and design. How does the text look? What visual elements does it include? What contribution do these make to the overall effect or argument?
• Note the point of view. Whose point of view is represented? How does it affect your response?
• Notice the major themes. Are specific claims being advanced? How are these claims supported?
• Understand the difference between primary and secondary sources. Primary sources provide firsthand knowledge, while secondary sources report on or analyze the research of others. (11a)