Just a really general question here. In AP US History courses is it acceptable to reference a lecture in an assignment? An Open Yale University lecture on the Civil War contains information that I found really valuable but is it academically acceptable to use it as a source?

Yes, I believe that is acceptable. Be sure to include all information including the lecturer's name and date.

Thanks!

You're welcome.

In AP US History courses, the acceptability of referencing a lecture in an assignment may vary depending on the specific requirements set by your teacher or institution. In general, though, it is usually acceptable to use lectures as sources in academic assignments, especially when they are given by reputable institutions or experts in the field.

To ensure academic acceptability, consider the following steps:

1. Check the assignment guidelines: Review any guidelines or instructions provided by your teacher to see if there are specific requirements regarding sources. Some teachers may prefer or require traditional written sources such as books or scholarly articles.

2. Assess the credibility of the lecture: Consider the reputation of the institution or the lecturer providing the lecture. Open Yale University is a well-known and respected institution, and their lectures are often considered reliable sources. If the lecture is given by a recognized expert in the field, it can enhance the credibility of the information.

3. Verify the information: Make sure the information presented in the lecture aligns with other reputable sources. Cross-referencing the lecture's content with information from academic books, articles, or other lectures can help establish its reliability.

4. Properly cite the lecture: When referencing the lecture, be sure to follow the required citation style (e.g., MLA, APA). Include details such as the lecturer's name, the title of the lecture, the course name, the institution, the date, and the URL if the lecture is available online.

By following these steps, you can ensure that you use the lecture as a legitimate source in your AP US History assignment while maintaining academic integrity. If in doubt, consult with your teacher or professor for confirmation regarding the acceptability of using lecture material as a source.