Book
Review Essays: Assignment Instructions
last
update: August 12, 2018
I.
Topics
Throughout the semester, you will write two
book review essays. (See calendar for
due dates.) For your topics, you will choose any two of the eight texts that we
are reading (listening to) in class. Choose whichever two of those that you
like.
II.
Guidelines
1.
- Include, in each review essay, a textbox or side bar which provides complete
basic info about the book you're reviewing: Title, author, date, # of pages,
publisher, genre, etc.
2.
- Give each review essay a complete, engaging title -- a title which indicates
that your essay is a book review, and which also communicates the focus of your
essay.
3.
- Include an introduction that engages the reader and establishes a direction
for your review.
4.
- Write for a general audience. Make your writing interesting and fun.
5.
- Each essay will be roughly between 750 and 1,250 words (3 to 5 pages).
II.
Grading Criteria for Review Essays
Each of the three essays is worth 15% of your
final grade.
I will grade holistically, based on widely
accepted criteria for good nonfiction writing, which we will discuss at length
in class. These include specificity, precision and completeness, as well as
readability and voice.
III.
Examples of Professional Book Reviews
See the links page
for examples of review essays. Most of those will be assigned and discussed in
class. (See calendar for
specific assignments and due dates.)