Historical Trends In American Education
Dr. Vasta
A. CONTENT OF THE REPORT
1. After reading one of the suggested books on the handout, students are required to prepare a 3-5 page critical review.
2. Required components of the critical review:
A. Paraphrase the author's thesis or plural main points;
B. Summarize the reasoning used by the author in support of the thesis;
C. Provide the reader with a representative sample of the support (examples,
evidence) for each reason;
D. Conclude with your critical reaction to the thesis, reasoning and support.
The reaction may be both positive and negative, but it must reflect CRITICAL
Literacy--- ask questions, use inferences, bring objections and defend the
author as well.
3. Due Dates
The choice of book is due by Friday, March 12. Beware that only so many of you will be allowed to duplicate choices (so many students, so few books…)
The critical review is due on Friday, April 16. Beginning that day and each class thereafter, any student who desires to earn 5-10 points automatically added to the paper grade may do so by sharing a brief review of the book with the class. Students must see me in advance of the class during which they wish to present.
4. Late papers will be deducted ½ grade per day. The critical review will be counted as a test grade.
B. FORMAT REQUIREMENTS
1. Consider the following format as an organizational tool. If you choose not to follow he format, be sure to include another way of dividing the paper. DO NOT have pages of running text with no subheadings.
Part I: Author's Position and Rationale
Part II: Author's Use of Evidence: Quality and Quantity
Part III. Writer's Reaction
2. All quotes will be direct quotes. Page numbers in parenthesis will follow the quotes. The more quotes the better!! Students are credited for how much evidence they supply that they read the book under review. Conscious or unconscious plagiarism is not only unethical, but also works against the students' best interests in this assignment.
3. The review must be typed, double-spaced, (if using computer, 12 font), no more than 1 inch margins.
4. Provide a cover page with information as follows:
name of the book
author's name
A Critical Review
by
Student's name
In lower left hand corner include the following:
Name of Course
Instructor
Date
5. Number pages on the bottom center of each page.