Analyzing Documents

One of the MOST important aspects of the document based question (DBQ) in AP is the recognition that the documents are not neutral information (life a dictionary or phone book). The evaluation of the documents as reliable and credible resources is a key to a successful score on the AP exam. The MOST important part of ANALYZING a document is determining the Point of View (POV) of the author. A persons POV is made up of their personal frame of reference and the historical context in which they live. Frame of Reference: this is influenced by a persons gender, occupation, class, education, religion, personal interests and other aspects of their being. Examples: Supporting the Astros, being a Longhorn or Aggie, passing the Bar exam, being a nun, being the only daughter with 6 brothers, growing up wealthy/poor, etc. Historical Context: This is made up of the societys influences on a person. I can be societal values, economic pressures, political conditions or other things which influence the society. Examples: gas prices, war, theocratic government, revolution, etc. There are many aspects of a document that can be considered when determining its credibility and reliability as a source. The SOAPS formula for analysis (AP: Building for Success) will focus your thoughts on what makes a document credible. Reading for SOAPS: S O A P S =Subject =Occasion =Audience =Purpose =Speaker What is the general topic, the main idea of the text? What is the time and place, is there a current situation of importance? What group is the piece addressed to? It may be a large or small group. What is the reason behind the text? Why was it written? Who is the speaker? CORNPEG - Class, occupation, religion, nationality, political position, ethnic identity, gender. Are they an insider or an outsider?

By applying the SOAPS formula to each document you will quickly learn to consider the POV of the author and assess the document for its reliability and credibility as a source. Seneca, upper-class Roman philosopher and adviser to Emperor Nero in the 1st century C.E. I do not believe that tools for the crafts were invented by wise men. The question of whether the hammer or the tongs came first does not seem important to me. Both were invented by someone with a mind that was nimble and sharp, but not great or elevated. S O A P S = inventing stuff does not take a great mind = 1st century C.E, Roman Empire, no current situation is evident = the elite classes, perhaps Nero = to elevate those who think, and downplay those who work = Seneca, philosopher, wealthy

POV Statement: As an educated man from the upper class it is not hard to see why Seneca would favor those who think over those who toil because he has probably never worked in his life he may not have an accurate view of those who invent. Seneca, upper-class Roman philosopher and adviser to Emperor Nero in the 1st century C.E. The Roman leader is born to lead. From a young age he is shown through example by his fathers and uncles what is right for the people. This is different from the old ways of Athens where any man, even an illiterate farmer, could ascend the heights of power S O A P S = monarchy is better than democracy = 1st century C.E, Roman Empire, no current situation is evident = the elite classes, perhaps Nero = to protect his job, to ingratiate himself to Nero = Seneca, philosopher, wealthy, powerful

POV Statement: As an advisor to emperors it is not hard to see why Seneca would favor the Roman method over that of other societies. His power and influence come from a leader chosen in the Roman manner therefore he would not jeopardize his power by promoting another way.

Document 1
Matthew, a disciple of Jesus, as written in the book of Matthew in the Bible composed about 70-80 C.E. And Jesus looked round about, and said unto his disciples, hardly shall they that have riches enter into the kingdom of God! And the disciples were astonished at his words. But Jesus answered again, and said unto them, Children, how hard is it for them that trust in riches to enter into the kingdom of God! It is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle, than for a rich man to enter into the kingdom of God.

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Document 2
Mohammed, an Arab merchant who became the prophet of Islam. As written in the Quran. O ye believers! trade by mutual consent. Woe to the cheaters. Who demand full measure when receiving from the people, but when giving them the measures or weights, they cheat. Give fair measure; it is better in the end. If two parties speak the truth, their transaction shall be blessed, and if they conceal and lie, the blessing of their transaction shall be obliterated. On the day of judgment, the honest and truthful Muslim merchant will take the rank with the martyrs of the faith.

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POV Statement: Document 3

Plato, Greek philosopher, student of Socrates, writing in his book Republic on how governments should be run. "Until philosophers rule as kings or those who are now called kings... that is, until political power and philosophy entirely coincide...cities will have no rest from evils... nor, I think, will the human race."

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SOAPS-POV Assignment
1. Create a SOAPS for the two documents below and answer the following two questions: 2. Explain, using an example from the document, the tone (emotion) of this document. 3. Write a POV statement explaining why the AUTHOR is a credible source on the topic.

Cicero, upper-class Roman political leader and writer, On Duty, first century B.C.E. Now, as to which crafts and other means of earning a living are suitable for a gentleman to practice and which are degrading, we have been taught more or less the following: Vulgar and unbecoming to a gentleman are all the jobs hired workers take on, whose labor is purchased rather than their skill. All craftsmen spend their time in vulgar occupations; no workshop can have anything enlightening about it.
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Manu, according to Indian tradition, was the first king in India. No details of his life are known, though it is likely that he belonged to a conservative Brahmin caste somewhere in Northern India. A Brahmin, whether learned or ignorant, is a powerful being. Whatever exists in the world is the property of the Brahmana; on account of the excellence of his origin the Brahmana is indeed, entitled to it all. When a learned Brahmin has found treasure, deposited in former (times), he may take even the whole (of it); for he is the master of everything.
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