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Baylor School
Hedges Library
China/Japan: 1850-1900
Qing (Ch'ing or 'Pure') dynasty -Ruled China from 1644 to 1912. Toward
the latter part of the 19th century,
the Western powers demanded that
China be opened up to foreign trade.
Their defeat of China in the OPIUM
WARS (1839-1842 and 1856-1860) and
her defeat by Japan in the SINOJAPANESE WAR (1894-1895) showed
just how feeble the Qing dynasty had
become. Half-hearted efforts at reform
in the SELF-STRENGTHENING
MOVEMENT were ineffective, so that
the Qing were faced in the BOXER RISING (1899-1900) by an anti-Qing and anti-foreign movement. Belated
efforts at reform by the Empress Dowager CIXI failed to prevent the collapse of the dynasty in the CHINESE
REVOLUTION of 1911. The last Qing Emperor, Puyi, was forced to abdicate in 1912.
"Qing (Ch'ing or 'Pure') Dynasty." New Penguin Dictionary of Modern History 1789-1945. London: Penguin, 2001. N. pag.
ProQuest History Study Center. Web. 27 November 2012.
Reference Collection
R 305.8 A512a
R 305.8 B361m
R 305.8 G151g
R 327.73 E56e
R 327.73 E56fr
R 909.81 P884g
R 920.3 D554d
R 950 E56e
R 951 B144b
R 951 P184c
R 951.003 C178c
R 951.003 P448e
R 952 C687c
R 952.02 D279h
R 952.03 K76k
R 973 A512a
R 973.02 D554d
American immigrant cultures: builders of a nation
Multicultural America: an encyclopedia of the newest Americans
Gale encyclopedia of multicultural America
Encyclopedia of American foreign policy: studies of the principal movements and ideas
Encyclopedia of U.S. foreign relations
Great events from history: The 19th century, 1801-1900
Dictionary of world biography
Encyclopedia of Asian history
Berkshire encyclopedia of China: modern and historic views of the world's newest and
oldest global power
Chronicle of the Chinese emperors: the reign-by-reign record of the rulers of imperial
China
The Cambridge encyclopedia of China
Encyclopedia of China: the essential reference to China, its history and culture
Cultural atlas of Japan
Handbook to life in medieval and early modern Japan
Kodansha encyclopedia of Japan.
American eras
Dictionary of American history
Select Databases
Daily Life through
History - ABC-CLIO
Encyclopedia
Americana
Encyclopædia
Britannica Online
School Edition
ProQuest Direct
In Daily Life through History, students and researchers discover the everyday details about past eras that
make historical accounts relevant and meaningful.
A standard in school, academic, and public libraries, the Encyclopedia Americana is easy to search online.
This database helps middle- to upper-grade students find a wealth of information to assist with homework and
research projects.
Encyclopædia Britannica Online School Edition provides access to three databases: -- Encyclopædia
Britannica for high school students and up, -- Comptons by Britannica for middle school students and up and -Britannica Elementary for elementary students and up.
ProQuest Direct includes both the Platinum collection which provides uncompromising coverage from more
than 2,000 newspapers, magazines, journals, and reference works. Many titles are updated daily and contain
full-text articles from 1986 forward including the New York Times full-text from 1995 to the present.
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ProQuest History
Study Center
Salem Press History
Databases
World Book Web
World History: The
Modern Era - ABCCLIO
History Study Center provides current and backfile journal articles, rare books, newspaper articles, video clips,
parliamentary papers, criminal trial records, radio and television news, maps, images, student guides and a
bookshelf of respected reference titles. In addition, the history Web Gateway provides links to thousands of
reliable and informative Web sites. History Study Center provides over 40,000 documents and articles
organized under 515 widely-studied topics, with over 50 reference works, 3,000 images and links to 2,000 Web
sites.
Salem Press History Databases at present include:
 Great Events from History: The 19th Century, The 20th Century 1901-1940, The 20th Century 1941-1970,
The 20th Century 1971-2000
World Book Web online is an expanded version of World Book’s print encyclopedias. Without the space
constraints of the printed page, World Book has added more pictures, sound clips and more up-to-date
information online.
World History: The Modern Era (covering history from the Renaissance to today) is the latest update of the
reference standard of electronic history reference materials for high school and high-level middle school
coursework.
Vetted General Internet Sites
Biographical Dictionary
URL: http://www.s9.com/
"This dictionary covers more than 28,000 notable men and women who have shaped our world from ancient
times to the present day. The dictionary can be searched by birth years, death years, positions held,
professions, literary and artistic works, achievements, and other keywords."
Biography
URL: http://www.infoplease.com/people.html
Part of the large Infoplease.com site, this boasts over 30,000 biographies of historical and contemporary
figures. Search by name or one of the categories (sports, presidents, vice presidents, entertainment, people in
the news, business leaders, world leaders, and deaths in the current and previous years).
Biography.com
URL: http://www.biography.com/
Contains over 25,000 brief biographies of notable personalities from antiquity to the present. Entries include
dates, career information, and alternate spellings/versions of the name. Searchable and browsable.
Historic Figures
URL: http://www.bbc.co.uk/history/historic_figures/
Brief biographies about more than 300 "movers and shakers of history" from the BBC.
The History Makers
URL: http://www.thehistorymakers.com/biography/biography.asp?category=sportsMakers
Contains biographies of African-Americans from a variety of different sports including small personal profiles,
substantial biographical information, and hypertext links to timeline information.
Pre-Modern Era
URL: http://www.ibiblio.org/chinesehistory/contents/01his/c02s03.html
China is an ancient society with a long and complicated history. Learn about the pre-modern phase of Chinese
history, beginning in the mid-thirteenth century and lasting until 1911. Begin with the Mongolian interlude and
follow the changes to the Republican Revolution of 1911. Along the way, you will learn about how the Chinese
regained power from the Mongols and about important events, such as the Opium Wars and the signing of the
Treaty of Nanking. Learn about other rebellions, such as the Taiping Rebellion and the Boxer Rebellion that
helped set the stage for twentieth century China.
Qing Dynasty 1644-1911 AD
URL: http://hua.umf.maine.edu/China/qing.html
You will find nothing more than resources on the Qing Dynasty on this site. The purpose is to provide a
thorough bibliography of the many resources that are currently available in libraries and bookstores. The
resources are listed in alphabetical order by author while most letters of the alphabet are accounted for. Many
of the letters contain multiple resources. There is a link to the China Page that contains more specific links to
additional information on China.
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The Father of Modern China: Sun Yat-sen (1866-1925)
URL: http://www.cnn.com/SPECIALS/1999/china.50/inside.china/profiles/sun.yatsen/
The twentieth century revolutionary political activist Sun Yat-sen is one of the most important people in the
history of modern China. This illustrated article from the CNN.com series, Visions of China provides a
summary of his life and devotion to the cause of establishing a democratic form of government in his country.
The information describes his childhood and family life, education, his brief medical career, and the growth in
political activities that supported his philosophical ideals. There is also a photograph of Yat-sen.
The Decline of Imperial China (c. 1800-1911)
URL: http://www.flowofhistory.com/units/eme/18/FC124
Learn about the changes China underwent during the 19th century, as they began interacting more with other
nations. Created by award-winning teacher John Butler, The Flow of History is a site that uses flow charts to
visualize the causes and effects of historical events. See what factors led to the First Opium War, and what
sanctions resulted from the Treaty of Nanjing. Then discover how this treaty opened China to further foreign
aggression. After you finish reading, click on the flow chart in the upper-right corner for a condensed visual
representation.
1800-1899 (A.D.) World History
URL: http://www.factmonster.com/ipka/A0001237.html
The nineteenth century witnessed many important events in world history. Look at this timeline to learn about the
milestones of the nineteenth century. Beginning with Napoleon conquering Italy in 1800 and ending with the Boer
War in South Africa in 1899, the timeline covers memorable historic events, scientific discoveries, musical
masterpieces and famous literary works that emerged between 1800 and 1899. This site includes photographs from
the century and links to additional information about the major events and notable personalities.
Strained Ties Between China and Japan
URL: http://www.cfr.org/publication/8025/
Learn about the issues that have caused tension between Japan and China both currently and historically.
China today is moving ahead of Japan both economically and militarily, reversing the trend of the last several
decades. Visit the Council on Foreign Relations web site to learn about the long history of animosity between
these two powerful Asian countries. Find out about their current disagreements, how each side perceives
danger from the other, and how they affect U.S. foreign policy in the region.
Boxer Rebellion
URL: http://www.history.com/topics/boxer-rebellion
In the early 19th century, the Yihequan opposed the Qing Dynasty and privileged foreigners in China. They
were also known as the Boxers because they had certain boxing-like rituals designed for invulnerability. As
anti-imperialist forces took over the government, they convinced the Boxers to target foreigners in a united
effort to destroy them. The government encouraged the Boxer Rebellion. Meanwhile, Christian converts
disregarded traditional ceremonies and foreign missionaries helped poor Christians win lawsuits. This further
infuriated the Boxers, who responded by burning churches and foreign residences. An international force was
sent to rescue foreigners and Christians in Beijing.
Nanjing Remembers Massacre Victims
URL: http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/asia-pacific/7140357.stm
The Japanese army seized Nanjing, China in 1937 and executed 1,300 Chinese at the city gate using
landmines, fire, and bayonets. The violence continued for six weeks as tens of thousands died in what became
known as the Nanjing Massacre. Seventy years later, a small group of survivors gathered at the gate to
remember those who died. One Japanese teacher set up a hotline for former soldiers to call with details about
what had happened in Nanjing. Chinese schoolchildren study the event so they can learn from the past. Some
people deny that it ever happened, but others cannot forget.
Jun 20, 1900: Boxer Rebellion Begins in China
URL: http://www.history.com/this-day-in-history/boxer-rebellion-begins-in-china
At the close of the 19th century, Japan and several Western powers had imperial control over China's
economy. A nationalist group called I Ho Ch'uan launched the Boxer Rebellion against ambassadors, foreign
diplomats, Christian churches, and other foreigners. The diplomatic quarter of Peking was under siege for
nearly two months. An international force broke the siege. Although China was not partitioned, it had to sign a
treaty agreeing to trade, foreign troops, and a multimillion dollar penalty for rebelling.
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History of Japan
URL: http://history.howstuffworks.com/asian-history/history-of-japan.htm/printable
Fact is hidden behind legend as we try to uncover the early history of Japan. Korean and Chinese sources tell
of clan wars in Japan and the emergence of emperors. In the 12th century, warrior-knights known as samurai
gained power while the central government under the Fujiwara family declined. The shogun, or military
governor, became more powerful than the emperor. Invasion threatened, but the Mongol invaders were
destroyed by a kamikaze, or typhoon. In time, the daimyo gained more power than the central government. A
new daimyo became shogun. Feudalism ended in the Meiji period.
Opening the Hermit Kingdom
URL: http://www.historytoday.com/wilson-strand/opening-hermit-kingdom
In the 19th century, Korea was known as the Hermit Kingdom because of its isolation from the rest of the world.
North Korea remains reclusive. In spite of close relations with China, contact with foreigners and international
travel were forbidden. China and Japan reluctantly yielded to foreign commerce, but Korea took longer.
Shipwrecked Americans were treated kindly, but Christians were arrested and executed for undermining
Confucianism. The United States and France tried to use military force to open up commercial relations, and
were fired upon and their ships burned. Japan finally succeeded.
China and Japan Rival Giants - History
URL: http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/shared/spl/hi/asia_pac/05/china_japan/html/history.stm
Through much of history, Japan was a part of the Chinese empire and culture. In the late 19th century, Japan
emerged as a world power and colonized Taiwan and Korea. The Japanese military set its sights on mainland
China to solidify its hold in Asia. In 1931, they invaded north-eastern China. In 1937, they invaded the city of
Nanjing, with brutal killing, raping, and looting. They tested chemical and biological weapons on the Chinese
people. Diplomatic relations between China and Japan were restored in 1972, but economic, cultural, and
military tensions and resentment still exist.
Japan and China: The Unforgotten War
URL: http://www.pbs.org/frontlineworld/rough/2006/04/japan_and_china.html
More than sixty years years ago, the Nanjing Massacre destroyed relations between China and Japan. In
historical textbooks, each country tells their own version of the events surrounding this atrocity. To the Chinese,
it was a wartime massacre of citizens. To the Japanese, it was simply a historical incident. Thousands of
Chinese protested Japan's treatment of the massacre in textbooks, exasperating an already difficult political
situation. The Chinese are also infuriated by a Japanese war memorial that includes war criminals. Meanwhile,
the two nations fight for economic dominance in Asia.
Meiji Restoration
URL: http://www.history.com/topics/meiji-restoration
The Tokugawa shogunate fell and the emperor took control in the Meiji Restoration. This chapter in Japanese
history involved vast political and economic changes and the Westernization and modernization of Japan.
Under threat of foreign domination, young samurai transformed Japan into a country that could stand up to
other world powers. The feudal system was abolished and universal conscription created a national army.
During this time, a constitution was written, railroads and telegraph lines were built, and other Western cultural
elements were adopted as Japan became a modern industrial nation.
Meiji
URL: http://www.factmonster.com/ce6/people/A0832537.html
An emperor named Meiji ruled in Japan for 45 years. He was also known as Mutsuhito and became emperor
when he was 15 years old. Power was initially held by the military shogun but then the shogun was overthrown.
A time known as the Meiji restoration began. Japanese feudalism came to an end and a constitution provided
for a two-house government. The emperor's cabinet was considered above politics and was selected by the
genro. Japan became a modern industrial country and a world power.
The Decline of Imperial China (c. 1800-1911)
URL: http://www.flowofhistory.com/units/eme/18/FC124
Learn about the changes China underwent during the 19th century, as they began interacting more with other
nations. Created by award-winning teacher John Butler, The Flow of History is a site that uses flow charts to
visualize the causes and effects of historical events. See what factors led to the First Opium War, and what
sanctions resulted from the Treaty of Nanjing. Then discover how this treaty opened China to further foreign
aggression. After you finish reading, click on the flow chart in the upper-right corner for a condensed visual
representation.
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Japan's March Toward Militarism
URL: http://wgordon.web.wesleyan.edu/papers/jhist2.htm
Militarism in Japan started with the Meiji Restoration as the leaders looked at military build-up as a path to
foreign expansion. They focused on modernization and economic growth in order to catch up with Western
world powers. Investigate the Conscription Law and the role of war and invasion. Discover how Japan aspired
to develop Western imperialism and follow a sort of manifest destiny to protect Asia from the West. Find out
why Japan feared invasion from Russia or the collapse of China. Explore unfair treaties with Western nations
and how Japan sought to protect economic interests and trade.
Opium Wars (1839-1842)
URL: http://www.sacu.org/opium2.html
This site examines why the First Opium War was fought, and it turns out it was not just about opium. Published
by the Society for Anglo-Chinese Understanding (SACU), this page explores both the Chinese and British
perspectives on this conflict, including why English society was largely unconcerned with the Chinese opium
problem. Discover how the war was actually fought, as well as the terms of the Treaty of Nanjing that
effectively ended the conflict. Read to the end to hear how both sides interpreted the treaty, and whether China
realized the full implications of signing this document.
Imperialism: China
URL: http://regentsprep.org/Regents/global/themes/imperialism/china.cfm
The British treasury was going bankrupt from importing so much tea from China, but China didn't want any
British goods. The Chinese saw them as useless trinkets. Britain responded by selling addictive opium in China.
Chinese officials tried to ban the drug, and the two countries went to war. With superior military technology, the
British won and established unequal treaties. In the Treaty of Nanjing, China had to open several ports, give
the British control of Hong Kong, and pay Britain for the costs of the war. Learn about other rebellions and civil
wars that followed the Opium Wars.
The Opium Wars
URL: http://dspace-local.library.cornell.edu/web_archive/explore.cornell.edu/scene2945.html?scene=wason%2520collection&stop=WC%2520-%2520Narrative%2520Opium&view=allViews
Grown in southern Asia, the juice of the poppy seed was distilled into an addictive narcotic. Widespread use of
opium had a negative impact on social and economic conditions in China. It threatened to destroy Chinese
society. In the 19th century, Western countries bought lots of tea, silk, and porcelain from China with silver.
Once opium started being imported, all that silver was going back to Britain. China was losing all its money and
productivity in a time when other countries were experiencing advances in communication, transportation,
industry, and trade. The dumping of opium into the ocean provoked a war.
Empress Dowager Cixi
URL: http://www.china-travel-golden-route.com/empress_dowager_cixi.html
A brief timeline of Cixi's life and her picture of introduce you to the empress' complete biography, which begins
with a brief explanation of how she came to be a prominent figure in the Qing Dynasty. This particular
biography addresses the Chinese court and their involvement in the decisions that lead to Cixi's power.
Additional notes are added at the end of the biography that point out facts that may not be obvious to everyone
who learns of her story.
Tz'u-hsi or Cixi: The Dowager Empress of China
URL: http://departments.kings.edu/womens_history/tzuhsi.html
The story of Tzu His demonstrates the power that can be possessed by just one person. As told here, Tzu His
was able to seize control over eight regents, her own son, and anyone else who was a threat to her power. Her
influence on China's history and the tactics she used to remain in power are revealed in this summarized, but
informative story of the dowager empress of China.
The Life of Empress Cixi
URL: http://www.sacu.org/cixi.html
In order to explain the fall of the Qing Dynasty and the rise of the Republican Movement, China Now Magazine
wrote an article on the rise to power of Empress Cixi, otherwise known as Tzu Hsi. The article covers Empress
Cixi's early life and her rise to power and also reveals the corruption and competition that existed under her
reign. This information, the descriptions of political divisions, and Empress Cixi's need for power demonstrate
how the Republican Movement was able to gain enough strength to ruin Empress Cixi.
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The Dragon Empress
URL: http://mcel.pacificu.edu/as/students/tzuhsi/biography.html
Tzu Hsi is also referred to as the Last Empress of China who ruled with corruption and supported
advancements a little too late. Her story has been told many times and this report sums up the facts that have
most often been told. Tzu Hsi's rise to power, the significance of the Boxer Rebellion, and her last days on the
throne are the main topics discussed. An interesting timeline is available along with reviews of selected books
that have been written on Tzu Hsi.
Chinese Exclusion Act
URL: http://www.calisphere.universityofcalifornia.edu/themed_collections/subtopic2a.html
Discover what life was life for Chinese in California during the Gold Rush era. The difference in pay received
by Chinese led to fewer jobs for Americans, which in turn led to great resentment. This collection of images
and photographs demonstrates daily life of Chinese and shows you signs of anti-Chinese feelings that resulted
in the Chinese Exclusion Act. The collection is introduced by an overview that explains how low paying jobs led
to the prohibition of Chinese immigrants and how this law affected relations between Americans and Chinese.
Chinese Exclusion Act (1882)
URL: http://ocp.hul.harvard.edu/immigration/exclusion.html
Economic fears on the West Coast instigated the Chinese Exclusion Act of 1882. Native-born Americans
believed the Chinese were responsible for their unemployment and dropping wages. The Gold Rush and the
building of the transcontinental railroad had brought many Chinese workers to the West Coast, seeking
economic opportunities. The National Origins Act of 1929 capped overall immigration and barred Asians from
immigrating. China was an ally during World War II, but prejudice persisted and only 105 Chinese immigrants
were permitted each year.
A Clear and Present Danger: The Chinese Exclusion Act
URL: http://historymatters.gmu.edu/d/5036/
Anti-Asian agitation was prevalent in California labor politics in the late 19th century. The San Francisco
Building Trades Council and even the American Federation of Labor believed that the presence of Chinese
and Asian workers lowered white living standards. As the initial Chinese Exclusion Act and its first extension
ended, these groups wanted to make sure Chinese immigration did not resume. Look for signs of prejudice in
the AFL document, in spite of their claims to the contrary. Discover the presumed impact of the Chinese
workers' willingness to work for low wages and live in poor conditions.
Chinese Immigrants and the Building of the Transcontinental Railroad
URL: http://www.digitalhistory.uh.edu/disp_textbook.cfm?smtid=3&psid=20
Learn about the building of the transcontinental railroad in the 1860s and how Chinese immigrants contributed
to this huge project. This web site provides an interesting historical article that describes the struggles and
triumphs of the Chinese Americans as they worked tirelessly to complete the railroad. There are also links to
articles about the Chinese Exclusion Act and Angel Island at this web site.
Immigration Restriction
URL: http://www.digitalhistory.uh.edu/disp_textbook.cfm?smtID=2&psid=3295
Investigate the immigration restrictions imposed in late 19th century America. The United States, founded by
immigrants, began to exclude people who were contract laborers, criminals, illiterate, paupers, or Asian. Learn
about the discriminatory quota system, fueled by concerns about the economic welfare of the workforce, the
potential of assimilation difficulties, and the fear of foreign and radical ideologies. Only Russia and the United
States instituted immigration policies in the 19th century, though most European countries established them
after World War I.
Timeline of the San Francisco Earthquake April 18-23, 1906
URL: http://www.sfmuseum.org/hist10/06timeline.html
This listing of key events during the week following the San Francisco earthquake of 1906, is part of the 1906
Earthquake Exhibit, at the Virtual Museum of the City of San Francisco. The chronological account, beginning
with the first earthquake which struck the city at 5:30 A.M. on April 18, features paragraphs that describe the
physical damages and disaster relief operations carried out by city personnel and the United States military.
There are also quotes from the Mayor, the Governor, and eyewitnesses. Although there are no pictures
available at this site, the main exhibit link has photographs and additional information.
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American Foreign Policy in the '20s
URL: http://www.cliffsnotes.com/WileyCDA/CliffsReviewTopic/American-Foreign-Policy-in-the-20s.topicArticleId-25238,articleId-25210.html
Although the First World War had catapulted the United States into the leading creditor nation, the country
adopted a policy of isolationism. American possessions spread across much of the world but the United States
tried to stay neutral as aggressive forces threatened others with hostility. Realize that the United States did not
join the League of Nations but did participate in some diplomatic talks. Investigate efforts to reduce military
strength of potential enemies and treaties to maintain the status quo. Learn how war debts and reparations had
the potential of creating an international crisis.
Bubonic Plague Hits San Francisco 1900 - 1909
URL: http://www.pbs.org/wgbh/aso/databank/entries/dm00bu.html
Perhaps you have heard of the bubonic plague or Black Death that annihilated millions in the Middle Ages, but
did you know it came to San Francisco in the 20th century? A ship from Hong Kong was quarantined in 1899,
but two escaped stowaways died from the disease. The outbreak came nine months later, probably from rats
that had been aboard the ship. The Board of Health tried to quarantine Chinatown, but the business community
fought back with the support of the governor. Over 100 died in the first outbreak, and the plague returned again
after the 1906 earthquake.
A Clear and Present Danger: The Chinese Exclusion Act
URL: http://historymatters.gmu.edu/d/5036/
Anti-Asian agitation was prevalent in California labor politics in the late 19th century. The San Francisco
Building Trades Council and even the American Federation of Labor believed that the presence of Chinese
and Asian workers lowered white living standards. As the initial Chinese Exclusion Act and its first extension
ended, these groups wanted to make sure Chinese immigration did not resume. Look for signs of prejudice in
the AFL document, in spite of their claims to the contrary. Discover the presumed impact of the Chinese
workers' willingness to work for low wages and live in poor conditions.
Remote Access to Hedges Library Online Databases
URL: http://mail.baylorschool.org/~cowens/gateway/gateway.htm
If you have access to the Internet either at Baylor or from home or dorm, you may
access not only all the Library databases but also a variety of other Library
information/services and school information.
You may also access the Gateway page from the Baylor School homepage:
(http://www.baylorschool.org/)
Libr
ary
Click on Library link and once there, select “Hedges Library
Information Gateway” from the menu on the left.
From the center column of the “Gateway Page,” click on:
“Click here for remote access.”
You will be prompted for your current First Class account.
Giving credit where credit to due: If you don’t give credit
when you use other’s thoughts and information that is
plagiarism. At Baylor: Plagiarism > Violation of Honor Code
> Honor Council > If found guilty > Final Warning and penalties > Guilty of 2nd
offense > Possible dismissal from Baylor > Not good 
Hedges Library MLA Citation Generator
You may use the generator as a tool to create citations according to the 7th edition
of the MLA Handbook for Writers of Research Papers. There are specific requirements and/or
recommendations for the format of a research paper. If there are questions
check with your teacher since they represent the ultimate authority for
your assignment, otherwise the following MLA recommendations are the
most common for printing or typing, margins, spacing, etc.
Allows citations to copied and pasted using most browsers (Internet Explorer,
Opera, Safari) -- exception being Netscape.
WARNING: When copying and pasting in Apple Pages,
italic formatting is lost.
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Annotated Works Cited Guidelines
What is an Annotated Works Cited or Annotated Bibliography?
An annotated works cited or bibliography is a essentially a listing of citations to books, articles, and
documents. Each citation is followed by a brief (usually about 100 - 150 words) descriptive and
evaluative paragraph, the annotation. The purpose of the annotation is to inform the reader of the
relevance, accuracy, and quality of the sources cited -- in short -- you are asked to comment on
and/or explain why each source cited is useful.
First you locate the information (books, periodicals, and documents) that may contain useful
information and ideas on your topic and briefly examine/review those works that provide a variety of
perspectives on your topic.
Second, you cite the book, article, or document using the MLA style.
Third, write a concise annotation that summarizes the central theme and scope of the book or article.
This annotation should answer three main questions:
1. WHO -- who wrote it; why is that person an authority or provide background of the author;
or the group that sponsored it.
2. WHAT -- what did it say; did it provide information or mis-information; compare or contrast
this work with another you have cited -- does it agree or disagree.
3. WHY -- explain why you think it is a good addition to your research. Also, comment on the
intended audience -- who was the intended audience and most importantly why was it
written
Example for an article available from the ProQuest Direct database
Van Biema, David. “Missionaries Under Cover.” Time 30 June 2003: 36-45. ProQuest Direct. Web 4
September 2009.
The article discusses the “current evangelical wave” and presents a variety of methods and attitudes
dealing with the work of this new brand of missionaries. It illustrates how both believers in Judaism
and Islam are possible targets to these new evangelists. Also, it provides a general understanding of
this missionary movement and of the goals and dangers expected in achieving those goals. The
article also presents a historical background to this current missionary wave and to past efforts
elsewhere.
David Van Biema is a staff writer for Time magazine. This article is just one of many covering
primarily topics dealing with the Middle East and/or religion. This article is the “cover story” for this
issue of Time magazine and is written for the general public.