In this course you will read an additional book, write a brief review of it, and use your review as a basis for an extended oral and written analysis of an important topic.

STEP ONE: Choose a book.

Due Weds, 2/3: Let me know your choice (consult the list or visit your favorite bookstore and make a suggestion).

STEP TWO: Write a 500 to 700 word book review.

Due Wednesday, 3/10: Your review should include a summary of the book's scope and aims, the author's thesis, and how effectively the thesis is argued. You won't have much room for many of your own opinions - you can voice those in your presentation and your review essay. Think of this review as a summary you might prepare for your boss who wants to know what the book is about but doesn't want to take the time to read it.

For different examples of how people construct their reviews, browse or search the database at http://h-net.org/reviews/home.php. You should also consult Rob Weir's article on scholarly reviews.

STEP THREE: Present your work to the class.

We will spend two class periods (Monday 3/8 and Wednesday 3/10) hearing about everyone's book. Plan to summarize your book in 3 to 5 minutes. Your presentation should include a brief outline of the book's argument and contents, as well as your view of the significance of the book. In other words - what do people who haven't read the book need to know about it? How does your topic fit into the broader context of the issues we've discussed throughout the semester? And, finally, to be blunt: who cares? Should we care? Why?

STEP FOUR: Identify topics and sources for a review essay.

Due Wednesday, 3/31: Eventually you will use one or more of the themes in your book as the basis of an extended review essay. This essay should synthesize 4 or 5 articles or books that provide different perspectives on your topic (for example, telephone history or "Internet culture"). The first step is to identify a compelling theme or issue and to cast a wide net for other books or articles that provide different perspectives on the theme/issue. You should send me an email that identifies your main area of interest.

As part of your preparations, take a look at Rob Weir's article on scholarly reviews. You should also be prepared to submit a draft of your bibliography before you have completed the essay. You should email it to me by Monday April 26.

STEP FIVE: Present your work to the class.

Presentations will be spread over three days: Monday April 26, Wednesday April 28, and Monday May 3.

This final presentation should build on your earlier presentation. You will only have 5 minutes, so plan accordingly! If at all possible, plan on NOT using powerpoint. One key to a good presentation is to stay focused on a few questions. Try to address to following:

- what was the first book you read
- what is the topic that you chose to pursue for the final review essay?
- what other books, websites, etc did you read?
- did they bring different perspectives to the topic? In other words, what were areas of conflict and consensus between different authors?
- in what ways did they enrich your understanding of the topic?

STEP SIX: Complete your review essay.

Due Monday, 5/3.

Your essay should be 2000-3000 words, double spaced, and thoroughly proofread. It should contain a clear thesis statement and should summarize, analyze, criticize, and synthesize the material you have read. Finally, it should have appropriate citations and a bibliography of all works discussed in the essay.