2. Book Review Assignment
Weighting: 25% of final course grade
Do not complete this assignment until you have completed and received feedback on your Book Review Proposal.
Start this project at week four or five, while completing Unit 2. Your book review should be 1,000 to 1,500 words in length, that is, four to six double-spaced, typed pages plus a title page.
You are expected to assess the book critically, using the theoretical approaches discussed in the course, or, if appropriate (and with the tutors agreement), other approaches.
A critical assessment will demonstrate that you understand the subject matter of the book, and can criticizeor positively assessthe methodological and theoretical bases of the author(s).
It is in your interest to consult with your tutor before and during the Book Review Assignment.
Tips on Writing the Book Review
The book review, as an exercise, is intended to encourage critical thought and analysis on a particular work, and to express those thoughts in written form. As such, it is a good exercise in preparation for the research essay and final assignment.
You may find the following tips useful.
o    The first page of your review should identify the main arguments advanced by the author(s) and the evidence they use to support their positions. Do not provide a detailed, chapter-by-chapter discussion of the book.
o    The main body of the book review should consist of a more detailed examination of the arguments, evaluating the strengths and weaknesses of each of the arguments and integrating your own views on the merits of each argument and the evidence provided to support a particular argument.
o    The concluding page should provide an overall assessment of the work, addressing issues as to whether or not the author(s) adequately addressed the subject matter, were logically consistent throughout the work, and offered sufficient evidence. Lastly, you should explain why you would, or would not, recommend this work to other individuals interested in the subject matter.
You may find the following links useful.
o    Queens University: Writing a Book Review:
http://guides.library.queensu.ca/bookreviews/writing
o    U of T Mississauga Library: The Book Review or Article Critique:
http://www.writing.utoronto.ca/advice/specific-types-of-writing/book-review
o    The University of Wisconsin: The Writing Center:
http://writing.wisc.edu/Handbook/CriNonfiction_body.html