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VII
Study Strategies for Historical Videos
Evaluating historical videos requires a careful analysis of both the visual and auditory
content, as well as an understanding of the context in which the video was created.
Here are six study techniques students can use to evaluate and to learn from Quintessential
Quincy: The Civil War–Five Soldiers and a Sailor.
1. Understand the Historical Context: Students should consider the historical context and
significance of the video's content. Why is it important to know about the Civil War?
What can be learned from that knowledge? How does learning about individual stories
help to deepen an understanding of the Civil War?
2. Analyze the purpose of the video—why as it produced? The purpose of a video often
shapes the content, tone, and presentation style.
3. Examine the Visual and Audio Elements: Students should pay attention to how each
individual's story is told in the video including significant leaders, places, events, and
consequences. Students should also analyze the audio components, such as narration,
dialogue, and music.
4. Determine the tone of the video. Have students determine if the video is serious,
informative, celebratory, critical, or a combination of elements. Have them look for the
main message or theme that the video is trying to convey.
5. Consider the Impact: Did the video effectively help students to learn more about the
Civil War? What about the video was most effective? What questions did the video
promt for deeper learning?
6. Identify Potential Biases: Have students consider if any bias is present in the video.
Does the video show balance in its depiction of the Union and Confederate forces?
What could be done to deepen understanding of the battles that framed the Civil War?