History379 Environmental History - Expectations for a Critical Book

Environmental History

History 379

Spring 2024

Critical Book Review

Expectations for a Critical Book Review in an Upper-Division History Class

1. Understanding of the Book: Demonstrate a thorough understanding of the book’s content, including its main arguments, themes, and the author’s perspective.

2. Historical Context: Analyze the book within its historical context. Discuss how the book relates to or contributes to historical scholarship.

3. Critical Analysis: Provide a critical analysis of the book. This should include an evaluation of the author’s arguments, use of evidence, and methodology. Discuss any biases or assumptions you identify.

4. Writing Quality: The review should be well-written, clear, and concise. It should follow the appropriate academic writing conventions, including proper citation of sources.

5. Originality: Your review should offer an original perspective. Avoid summarizing the book; focus on providing your analysis and insights.

6. Structure: The review should have a clear structure, including an introduction that provides an overview of the book and the review, a main body that discusses the book in detail, and a conclusion that summarizes your evaluation.

7. Length: The review should be between 1500 – 2300 words (3 - 5 pages). However, the exact length may vary based on the book’s complexity and the assignment guidelines.

8. References: All sources, including the reviewed book, should be properly cited using the appropriate citation style (e.g., Chicago).

9. Professionalism: The review should maintain a professional tone. While it’s important to provide a critical analysis, avoid overly harsh or unjustified criticism.

10. Timeliness: The review should be submitted by the assigned due date. Late submissions may not be accepted or could result in a reduced grade.

Remember, the goal of a book review is not just to summarize the book but to engage with it critically and thoughtfully. Happy reviewing!