Order ID: 89JHGSJE83839 | Style: APA/MLA/Harvard/Chicago | Pages: 5-10 |
Instructions:
Book Review: Students will complete a 3-4 page (800-1000 words) book review of one of the works from the list below. This assignment will be worth 100 points. The paper checked via www.turnitin.com
(Links to an external site.)
through Canvas.
Books:
-Ta-Nehisi Coates. Between the World and Me
-Sonia Nazario. Enriques Journey
-Richard Rodriguez. Brown
-J.D. Vance. Hillbilly Elegy
Assignment Overview:
For this assignment, you will not be writing a book report, but a critical assessment of the book you chose and its contribution to our knowledge of American History. Your job is to play the part of a professional historian, using your expertise to weigh in on the merits of the work and, perhaps, any weaknesses you noticed. You should focus your attention primarily on the topics and discussions we encounter and engage with in class, especially the issue of freedom and liberty and those groups fighting for both. We will periodically discuss the review in detail as we move through the semester, but I have also provided a brief guideline below.
General Guidelines:
You need not answer all of these questions in your paper. However, consider all of them closely in order to guide the focus of your paper.
What was the primary thesis or main focus of the work? Do you believe the author had an agenda (what was the author trying to convince the reader to believe or see)?
What are the subthemes or secondary points of the book?
What were the most important events/topics, and what did they help show, encapsulate, or prove?
Was the author successful or convincing in proving his/her arguments?
In your view, how worthy is this work as a source of historical information and argumentation?
Did the author consult trustworthy sources?
How do you know?
What sources were readily noticeable and/or problematic?
What were the biases of this work?
What did the book/author leave out or not consider (if any)? Do you think the omission(s) were on purpose?
What could have been added to make it better (if any)?
How does the book/author support, challenge, or add to the conversations we have had in in class?
How does it fit with other material we or other historians have covered?
What did you like or dislike about the work?
What specific pieces of the work did you like, dislike, or have a problem with (explain why)?
If you were a professor/teacher of history or a related field would you assign this book (why or why not)?
Final Words of Advice:
While this is not a book report, be sure to add supporting details from the book to solidify your arguments. While I have read these books, and have my own opinions, you must prove that you engaged the text and have a grounded criticism of the book you are reviewing. General summary statements or reviews, such as those found on the back cover, are not convincing enough to add weight to your review. Cite some passages, pages, dialogue, etc. from the book and link them to themes or sources we have discussed to make your points more forceful and to prove your engagement and expertise.
Formatting:
Standard font (Times New Roman, Calibri, etc.) and size (11-12 point)
Double spaced with page numbers at the bottom
Header with name, course, and date
Include a title of your review
Citations: These may be parenthetical with just the page numbers if you are referring directly to the text you are reviewing. If you are citing an additional source, include a full citation. Historians use Chicago style with footnotes or endnotes, but if you are using MLA in your English courses, practice getting that format down.
Grading:
This assignment is worth 100 points, and will follow the grading scale in the syllabus. The bulk of your grade will depend on how well you prove your engagement with the text and the connections you make with the course topics and American History. I will not be looking so much for an explanation of the text, but a critical assessment of how you think the text adds to our knowledge of American History and the content of this course. While writing is not the core component of your grade, writing matters. The effectiveness of your review depends greatly on your writing. Proofread your paper and, when you do, read it out-loud to yourself. If it does not sound right when you say it, the same will be true when I read it. Feel free to ask me at any time for comments or suggestions. The sooner you start on this assignment, the more time you will have to craft a convincing review.
RUBRIC |
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Excellent Quality 95-100%
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Introduction
45-41 points The background and significance of the problem and a clear statement of the research purpose is provided. The search history is mentioned. |
Literature Support 91-84 points The background and significance of the problem and a clear statement of the research purpose is provided. The search history is mentioned. |
Methodology 58-53 points Content is well-organized with headings for each slide and bulleted lists to group related material as needed. Use of font, color, graphics, effects, etc. to enhance readability and presentation content is excellent. Length requirements of 10 slides/pages or less is met. |
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Average Score 50-85% |
40-38 points More depth/detail for the background and significance is needed, or the research detail is not clear. No search history information is provided. |
83-76 points Review of relevant theoretical literature is evident, but there is little integration of studies into concepts related to problem. Review is partially focused and organized. Supporting and opposing research are included. Summary of information presented is included. Conclusion may not contain a biblical integration. |
52-49 points Content is somewhat organized, but no structure is apparent. The use of font, color, graphics, effects, etc. is occasionally detracting to the presentation content. Length requirements may not be met. |
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Poor Quality 0-45% |
37-1 points The background and/or significance are missing. No search history information is provided. |
75-1 points Review of relevant theoretical literature is evident, but there is no integration of studies into concepts related to problem. Review is partially focused and organized. Supporting and opposing research are not included in the summary of information presented. Conclusion does not contain a biblical integration.
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48-1 points There is no clear or logical organizational structure. No logical sequence is apparent. The use of font, color, graphics, effects etc. is often detracting to the presentation content. Length requirements may not be met |
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