Focus and Scope

Primary Source seeks to bring undergraduates into the historical conversation, strengthen their voices within all historical fields, and to promote the understanding of a variety of historical viewpoints through the publication of quality undergraduate historical interpretation.

Publishing original works is an important endeavor at the university level, but it can be especially difficult for undergraduate students. Therefore, Primary Source seeks to offer undergraduates exploring all branches of history the opportunity to show the world their ideas.    

Peer Review Process

The student editors and editor-in-chief at Primary Source select, edit, and publish high-quality papers on a variety of historical topics. We value historical analysis, developed writing, and clear ideas. Articles are chosen and authors are notified about one to two weeks after the submission deadline.

Publication Frequency

Primary Source publishes once each semester. The Fall issue is published in December and the Spring issue in May. Submissions are due in October and February for that semester's issue.

Open Access Policy

This journal provides immediate open access to its content on the principle that making research freely available to the public supports a greater global exchange of knowledge.

Journal History

Cody Foster founded Primary Source in the Spring of 2011. Kasey Greer succeeded him as editor-in-chief in the Fall of 2011. Vianna Newman held the position for the 2013-14 and 2014-15 academic years, and brought the journal to IUScholarWorks in Spring of 2015.

The original website for Primary Source, which houses the issues published before Spring 2015, can be accessed here.