UNIVERSITY OF TORONTO AT MISSISSAUGA HIS 385/2008: Orientalism & Occidentalism

WRITING A BOOK REVIEW

A BOOK REVIEW is a critical summary of the assigned reading(s). It is a short essay that combines three elements: summary, analysis and critique. The goal of a book review is to effectively summarize the central argument of a given reading while at the same time express your own critical response to it. Your job is not simply to state your opinion, but rather to present a well-reasoned and thoughtful response to the authors main argument through a careful analysis of his or her ideas. In other words, your review must be well-informed; it should demonstrate that you have read and understood the text thoroughly. While you may find this assignment to be difficult at first, it is important to keep in mind the old maxim practice makes perfect. The purpose of this assignment is to help you to read and write effectively; the aim is to build your confidence by teaching you the art of how to write a good critical summary. This ability ultimately lies at the heart (and mind) of becoming an independent thinker and public intellectual. 1. CRITICAL READING Guided Reading In order to write a good book review, you first need to learn how to write an effective summary. Above all, this requires that you grasp the authors main idea or central argument. This can be done only after a close and careful reading of the text.

2. CRAFTING YOUR POSITION Your book review must integrate three elements: a) summary; b) analysis; and, c) critique. Try to use the funnel approach in your writing; that is, move from the general to the specific. In addition, aim to write a coherent paper that is well organized around a central focus. Follow these general guidelines when writing your paper: A) SUMMARY Clearly and succinctly summarize the authors central argument or main idea in your own words. Consider the circumstances of writing (e.g. Is the author responding to another writers ideas? If so, does he or she agree or disagree with these, or perhaps build upon them?) Context and chronology is important in understanding an authors argument. Discuss the authors approach to the subject (e.g. What topics are covered?)

based on HIS101/2006 course guidelines, prepared by Lori Woods & Jens Hanssen

UNIVERSITY OF TORONTO AT MISSISSAUGA HIS 385/2008: Orientalism & Occidentalism Briefly summarize the most significant points raised in the text For more detailed guidelines, see Writing Effective Summaries prepared by the Academic Skills Centre, University of Toronto at Mississauga: http://www.erin.utoronto.ca/~w3asc/Writing%20Effective%20Summaries.html B) ANALYSIS Analyze the structure of the main argument by identifying any secondary ideas which support it. Prove that you understand these ideas by clearly explaining them in your own words (Avoid what we call the shot-gun approach, where you rapidly fire out several of the authors ideas without detailing any of them.) DO NOT use direct quotes unless they are short and express a concept or idea that you cannot possibly put in your own words. Also, keep in mind that direct quotes must support your argument and not compensate it. Evaluate the logical connection or relationship between the main argument and secondary ideas (e.g. Ask yourself how, and if, these secondary ideas support the main argument).

C) CRITIQUE Respond critically to the text under analysis by discussing the value(s) and/or limitation(s) of the authors philosophy of history, views on historical method, etc. Directly relate your critique back to authors main argument or central idea. Always use relevant examples from the book under review and another related reading or two to support and defend your position.

3. ASSIGNMENT GUIDELINES Word Limit The limit for this assignment is three double-spaced pages. This is not an absolute, and you will not be penalized if you go a little above it. However, it is important that you abide by this word limit as much as possible because by doing so you will learn how to write succinctly. The art of writing a great critical summary requires that you learn how to effectively nutshell an argument. Citing Sources

based on HIS101/2006 course guidelines, prepared by Lori Woods & Jens Hanssen

UNIVERSITY OF TORONTO AT MISSISSAUGA HIS 385/2008: Orientalism & Occidentalism You must give credit where credit is due! This means that each time you discuss an idea from course reading(s) you must provide a citation of that source in a footnote. You should do this also for any reference sources that you use in your paper. Please follow the guidelines for formatting footnotes in the Chicago Manual of Style. See the Librarys link to the Chicago/Turabian style: http://www.utm.utoronto.ca/library/instruction/researchwriting.html#chicago

based on HIS101/2006 course guidelines, prepared by Lori Woods & Jens Hanssen