AFR/HIS 363: Harper

This page is meant to help you with your "How the Story Gets Told" assignment. You are asked to pick a moment in history and then research how that moment has been interpreted/distorted/mythologized/celebrated in books, film, TV, music, popular discourse in newspapers, news channels, public speeches, public monuments, historic sites, etc. Below are some recommended resources to help you get started.

Google is a powerful tool to access information, but it can sometimes be difficult to find what you need if you are not quite what it is you are looking for. Below are some tips for how to use Google to find the information you need more effectively:

• Search Google like a database: We often search Google by just asking a question. This can usually get us what we need, but it also can put in a lot of extraneous search terms. Think more along the lines of keywords, which are the main concepts you are trying to find in your search. This can also help you determine what are the needed pieces for finding. Using words like "film," "popular culture," or "portrayal" along with your historical event can be a more efficient search.
• Use special symbols for a more targeted search: Google has a number of special symbols that make it easier to find more relevant results. Below is a shortlist of ones that will be useful. A full list of search techniques can be found on Google's Help Menu.
  • Exclude an a word from your search:
    Put - in front of a word you want to leave out. For example, jaguar speed -car
  • Search for an exact match:
    Put a word or phrase inside quotes. For example, "tallest building".
  • Combine Searches
    Put "OR" between each search query. For example, marathon OR race.
• Verify the information with multiple sources: If you find something interesting, try to verify that source by finding it in multiple places. It is even better if you can find the original source of the information. Multiple sources will help you make sure that the information you find is correct.