Critical Book Review (for Graduate Students Only)

Choose a critical monograph written since 1996 on some literature and technology. You should clear the book you choose with me; I'll be happy to suggest some if you can't find one in the library that appeals to you. Your objective is to show the depth of your critical reading skills and how you can take what you are learning in this class and connect it to some other scholar’s work. 

In 4-6 double-spaced pages, your review should

·        Briefly summarize the book’s argument (by brief, I mean around 300 words—this is not a book report)

·        Describe the author/editor’s critical and theoretical approach(es)

·        Identify the strengths and weaknesses of the book or collection. What assumptions, themes, or beliefs is it furthering?

·        Discuss how useful the book is in furthering your understanding and furthering of cyber rhetoric

·        Assess its overall success (you may wish to consult reviews of the book if you can find them; the MLA Online Bibliography may be of service here).

If you use any secondary sources, such as reviews, please make sure to document them carefully using MLA documentation. Any quotations or paraphrases from the book you’re reviewing must also be documented appropriately.

You should submit the final version in hard copy as well as submitting it to www.turnitin.com. If you want some tips for writing a book review, try this handout, and as always, feel free to bring drafts by the office for discussion.