Book Review Guidelines
Book Review Guidelines
In fulfilling the requirements for the Gender, Race and Diversity class, students are required to write a 1500-word review of a book of their choice. They are encouraged to pick a book recommended for additional reading on this syllabus but are free to choose any other book relevant to the topics of the class. However, books not listed on the syllabus need to be cleared with the instructor or teaching assistant. The book review is due on December 4.
Objective:
The pedagogical purpose of this exercise is to
Broaden students knowledge of literature addressing issue of gender, race and diversity;
Sharpen students ability to analyse texts, engage critically with them, and situate them in contexts of existing ideas and debates;
Hone students writing skills, in particular their ability to summarize arguments and present them effectively.
How to write a good book review
Typically, the bulk of a book review consists of a summary of the content. But a good book review does more than summarize what an author says it also provides an appreciation of the narrative. This appreciation can be woven throughout the review (in which case the book review comes to resemble an essay). But it is sometimes easier to separate the summary from the appreciation; if you do so, think about writing a strong introductory section in addition to a strong conclusion that tie the essay together.
Evaluation:
In examining the quality of the book review, we will take into account the following criteria:
Content: a good review should capture the core message of the book succinctly, but accurately;
Appreciation: a good review should be able to critically assess the authors main arguments in light of existing debates, and highlight strengths and weaknesses of the book;
Flow: a good book review should flow logically, develop a theme, and read as a coherent, standalone essay-like piece
Tidiness: a good book review should abide by the highest standards for academic writing (spelling, grammar, citation etc.)
