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BOOK REVIEW GUIDELINES
Purpose and Nature of a Scholarly Book Review
Since no on
BOOK REVIEW GUIDELINES
Purpose and Nature of a Scholarly Book Review
Since no one can begin to keep up with the mass number of monographs produced in today’s market, social scientists use book reviews to learn about new publications in their field to decide which ones might be useful to read or add to a library’s collection. They provide a quick way to get another scholar’s opinion of the over-all nature and importance of a volume.
Do NOT let the review become a mere summary of the contents of the book. Although a summary of the content is a valid portion of any review, the most important section should be the analysis of the volume.
The most difficult, but most important, part of a good review is extracting the author’s opinion about her/his topic. As you read, be careful to look for this. For example, if you are reading a book on sexuality, what does the author think is sexuality? Why is the author discussing sexuality Is her evaluation supported or refuted a myth, argument, study, etc.? Why? Sometimes authors will explain a thesis or reveal major conclusions in a preface; also look carefully at the concluding chapter for valuable hints as to the author’s key points related to sexuality and possible future studies/recommendations.
Suggestions for Preparing the Review
1.Read the book. This seems trite, but reading the entire volume is your responsibility. You may consult other reviews of the volume in journals or the internet, but be careful not to copy someone else’s opinions. If you do quote from another source, you must provide a citation giving credit to the source. Failure to do so is PLAGIARISM! This constitutes a violation of my policies, could result in you failing the course, and could result in you being referred for disciplinary action. Your analysis of the book- not someone else- is what is important for this assignment.
2.You may use direct quotations from the book (to show the author’s biases, thesis, point pit errors, etc.) but do not let the review become an endless series of quotations. If you quote directly from the book, provide page citations in parenthetical documentation. Example: In his analysis of King John, Hollister concludes that he was “Richard’s opposite—unchivalrous, moody, suspicious, a mediocre general, but highly intelligent and deeply interested in the royal administration.” (p. 172)
3.Components which should generally be part of your review (not necessarily in this order).
1) Information about the author- background, major interests, previous works (if any), profession. Don’t add this to the end of your review as an afterthought or use it in the first paragraph. Include only information that is appropriate in relation to the work under consideration (we don’t need to know that Professor Smyth’s wife is named Hilda and that his favorite hobby is gardening.).
2) Thesis of the book. What is the author’s major focus/point?
3) Definition/Description of Sexuality. How does the author define/describe sexuality?
4) Purpose of the text.Why did the author address sexuality?
5) Provide a brief summary of the contents. What time period is covered? What specific topics are discussed? Are their additional themes and concepts, if so how are they defined? How is the work organized (chronological or topical?) How does the material relate to sexuality & society?
6) To what audience does this book seem directed? Is this meant for the general reader interested in sexuality and/or a particular population, or is it directed more toward scholars and sexologists? (Hint: One way to determine this is to look at the nature of the documentation; if the work is heavily footnoted with a meaty bibliography, then the latter is probably the case; if it has only a sketchy bibliography or few or no footnotes, then the former is likely).
7) Nature of the documentation. What are the most common sources the author seems to use? Does he seem to rely on the general works of other authors (secondary sources) or are most of his sources primary (contemporary documents, etc)? Use the book’s footnotes and bibliography to analyze the types of materials the author employs. Sometimes he will also discuss this in the preface.
8) Miscellaneous aspects regarding things found in the volume (If applicable). Are there illustrations? Tables? Genealogical charts? Appendices?
9) Particular strengths and weaknesses of the book in your opinion. How readable? What is its relative value or contribution to the study of history?
10) Make sure your review has a thoughtful introduction and conclusion, hopefully tied together with a thesis. Don’t let your review end too abruptly.
11) Is the content relevant to current issues in sexuality?
12) What did you primarily learn from the book? Who would you recommend read the book and why? List at least three quotes that connect to theme, concepts, scholars from course reading/viewing materials.
Select only One of the Five Optional Requirements qualify to complete the BOOK ANALYSIS
Option One: Complete a 3-5 page typed traditional book review (including cover page & bibliography) that addresses the latter components (1-12). Students are encouraged to incorporate scholarship material to connect with the book review – example, graphs, tables, articles, images, etc.
Option Two: Develop a 12 – 16 slide presentation of your selected book (including cover slide & bibliography) that addresses the latter components (1-12). Students should include various types of media sources – images, music, art, videos, comics, etc.
Option Three: Create a jeopardy game that addresses the statements in 1-12 (see above). Students should develop the game in a way that addresses the latter components in the form of Q & A and include instructions.
Option Four:Develop a 4 – 8-minute video explaining the book that addresses the latter components (1-12). Students are encouraged to utilize their technological savviness and any other creative skills to display on the video that relates in any way to the book– rapping, singing, art, school observation (area, facility, etc.), interviews, sample 5-minute lecture, debate, etc.If you can image it and record it, then you can do it!!!
Option Five: Develop a children’s book related to any theme from your selected book. It should be written in a form that would be informative to students at any grade level you select.Remember a children’s book can be very short with lots of pictures related to a particular theme or it can be a higher level children’s book that has various chapters.
Final Pieces of Advice
1.Common stylistic flaws you should try to avoid: misspelled words/typos, excessive use of passive voice, overly shortly paragraphs (one or two sentences), or grammatical errors.
2.Proofread! It is not academically dishonest to have someone else proofread your paper. In fact, it is an excellent idea. Of course, if you are finishing your review at 10:45 p. m., you won’t have much time to proofread/review! Start early and revise your initial draft, especially looking for things in #1 above.
3.LATE ASSIGNMENTS WILL AUTOMATICALLY FORFEIT ONE LETTER GRADE AND NO REVIEW WILL BE ACCEPTED MORE THAN TWO DAYS AFTER THE DUE DATE.
4.I am looking for constructive criticisms and generative ideas so think of your task as a journal editor or book reviewer in which you must identify the strengths and weaknesses of the ideas presented. Relating the information to other domains, other readings, personal experiences, “real-life” examples, and other such connections that embed your reactions in additional contexts are encouraged. Each BOOK REVIEW should include a review of the major issues, critical evaluation of the approach/theory/method/claims, and some syntheses or constructive ideas about future directions in the area of sexuality.
Whatever you do, have fun with this but make sure your finished product is substantive!
This assignment is based on book review guidelines posted at http://www.pccua.edu/nbagley/book_review_guidelines.htm
See information for the recommended approved books –
Approved Books for Analysis
Select one book from the list below for the Book Analysis:
An Education Beyond the Classroom, Karen Owen
Feminist Accused of Sexual Harassment, Jane Gallop
The Apparitional Lesbian: Female Homosexuality and Modern Culture, Terry Castle
Black Sexualities: Probing Powers, Passions, Practices, and Policies, Juan Battle & Sandra Barnes
Latina/a Sexualities: Probing Powers, Passions, Practices, and Policies, Marysol Asencio
Beyond the Black Lady: Sexuality & the New African American Middle Class, Lisa B. Thompson
Erotic Revolutionaries, Shayne Lee
Black Woman’s Burden, Nicole Rousseau
Black Love. bell hooks
Black Sexual Politics, Pat Hill Collins
Race, Ethnicity, & Sexuality, Joane Nagel
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