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Europe and Modern World

Critical Reviews

A critical review is an evaluation of a book's strengths, weaknesses and validity. It is used to inform readers of a book's value through explanation, interpretation and analysis. The reviewer must present information that will allow the reader to make a value judgement about the book. Therefore, a critical review is not a book report. It does not offer a mere summary of the contents of the monograph.

Reviews of a single book must have an introductory section to establish a focal point for discussion. The introduction establishes a direction for the rest of the review. The second part characterizes the author's treatment of the subject, and the final section brings the paper to a conclusion. A conclusion must deal with the essence of the author's arguments and must follow from the direction established in the introduction. Students are free to agree with the author on every point, disagree with the author on every point, or any combination of the two. The important thing is that students offer insights into what contribution they believe the book makes to the literature on the subject and who, if anyone, might benefit from reading it. (See a sample review of one book)

Reviews of two or more books contain the same elements as reviews of one book, but the emphasis is on comparison. Therefore, the introductory section establishes a focal point of comparison between the two books. The second part characterizes each author's treatment of the "issue." The final section brings the paper to a conclusion by way of synthesis or repudiation. In other words, the conclusion offers a suggestion of an interpretive orientation consisting of elements of both perspectives under review or an argument against one or both authors. Once again, Students are free to agree or disagree with the authors on significant points. The important thing is that students offer insights into what contribution they believe the books make to the literature on the subject and who, if anyone, might benefit from reading them (See a sample review of two books)

Guidelines (Students should refer to the course outline for the current year to know which book is which).

• The first assignment is a critical review of book number one.
• The second assignment is a critical review of book number two.
• The third assignment is a critical comparative review of book number one and book number three.
• The fourth assignment is a critical comparative review of book number two and book number four.
• The first two review essays, should be six pages in length and the last two should be eight pages long.
• The first book review is worth 10%, the second is worth 15%, the third is worth 20%, and fourth is worth 25% of the final mark.
• Reviews should begin with a full bibliographic citation (author, title, publisher and date of publication).
• The books will be discussed in class and students are expected to participate in all of the discussions.
• Students are advised that late assignments will be assessed a penalty of one percent of the final mark per day for each day that elapses between the due date and the actual date of submission.
• Students are advised that they are responsible for knowing what plagiarism is and for avoiding it.

Questions to be Considered while reading the assigned book

• Is there any bibliographic information about the author given? What are the author's qualifications and authority?
• Who is the intended audience?
• Define the general problem area. What does the author intend to discuss? Why?
• Does the author build on past research?
• What is the objective or purpose of the research? Is it clearly stated?
• Does the author define any terms? Are the definitions specific and useful?
• Are references given? Are the references recent, important?
• What are the author's major findings and conclusions? Have these been supported by the author's analysis, arguments, findings or evidence? Has the author overlooked anything?
• Does the author accomplish his or her objective? Does the author do what he or she has set out to do?
• Does the author suggest areas for further research or discussion?

(Please note that these questions are meant for you to develop a critical understanding of the reading and are not meant as a guide to writing the review)

Prepared by R. Harpelle

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