Book Report

PURPOSE: The purpose of a book report is to carve within our study an open space for you  and to invite you to explore more deeply a course-related theme of your interest. Get started earlier in the semester and consult with the instructor for your choice of book. For writing your review, you must read at least two “academic” reviews of books similar to yours. As “role-models” they will help you make sense of the purpose, tone, format and style of writing a book review.

SECTIONS: The book report has THREE sections:

Section I (3 pages) will be a well-comprehended summary of the text and will also include the background information of the author and his expertise on the subject, purpose for writing this book, structure, audience (who is s/he writing for or/and against), content, major arguments and evidence contained within the book.

Section II (2 pages) will then carefully evaluate and analyze the book and its significance in light of the relevant and applicable material that you have learned throughout the semester. A book report that lacks engagement with the assigned readings and knowledge gained during the course will be deemed incomplete.

Section III (1 page) will be your reflections on the book regarding ways in which it influenced your thinking on the theme, aspects of the book that were particularly insightful or/and confusing (and why), both for you and for our study in relation to the course.

STYLE & CITATIONS: General guidelines for Intellectual Practices here apply. Cite also the publication information of the “role-model” book reviews you read.