Anthropology of Religion assignment

During the course you’re asked to write a critical review of one of the books assigned in class. Each review should be 4-5 double-spaced pages with 12 point type and one inch margins. Submit the reviews in MS Word format using the link in the Writing Assignments Module in Canvas. Your task is NOT to write a summary or “book report.” A report just tells what’s in the book. Since I’ve read the book I already know that.

A critical review conveys something much more interesting namely: your informed judgment about the nature of the author’s main point or argument and their success in achieving that goal. Specifically I’m looking for your answers to the following: 1. What’s the book’s big issue ? What point or argument is the author trying to make ? Some authors come right out and state the argument or main point up front. Others are less explicit.

If an author does not make a clear statement about the goal of the book then you should consider the book as a whole keeping an eye out for recurring themes. Pay attention to topics concepts and terms that come up repeatedly. When an author returns to a single idea over and over then you can bet it is important. 2. How does the author address the main point ? Once you have an idea about the major goal or argument of the book you should ask yourself: How does the author make the argument or reach the goal ? What sort of data does the author use to support the point ? You need to display a detailed understanding of the author’s argument. It is not enough to simply tell me what the author argued. You also have to tell me how they proved (or failed to prove !) that argument how they reached (or failed to reach !) their goal. What information did the author present and was the information satisfactory ? If not what were the shortcomings ? 3. What assumptions underlie the author’s thinking ?

Are there any hidden assumptions or biases that influenced the author’s argument ? Most authors in the social sciences must overcome obstacles in their efforts to accurately portray the people they study. Did you feel the author succeeded in providing an accurate account ? Why or why not ? Do you see any evidence that the author’s argument was influenced by some preconceived idea ? Did the author’s own social position or cultural background influence their work ? Is there something you know about the major issue (perhaps an alternative argument) that reveals an element of bias in author’s the argument ? 4. Did the book change your way of seeing the problem ? Here I am inviting you to relate the book to your own personal views and experiences — to give me a glimpse of our own values and style and if appropriate a touch of your own experience or humor. Before you read the book under review did you have any ideas or knowledge about the subject ?

If so did the book conform to what you thought you knew or did it change your mind about something ? If you didn’t know much about the people or subjects covered in the books then tell me what impression the book left you with. Were you surprised pleased angered saddened etc. by the book ? At each point explain how and why you think and feel the way you do. Additional points: A critical book review is an “an argument within an argument.” In other words you need to identify the author’s argument and then construct your own argument about whether or not the author was successful in reaching their goal.

A good review doesn’t rehash what’s in the book. It can include a telling quote or two (always with page references) but it is not a summary of actual content. Every point you make should be backed up with evidence. For example suppose that you say in your paper that the author made good use of specific examples to provide evidence for the larger argument. You then need to cite some specific places in the book where the author presented good examples and how they related to the main argument or goal of the book.

In a critical book review statements without proof are worthless. You are welcome to use outside sources but they are not necessary to receive full credit for the assignment. If you use outside sources please include a works cited page using whatever style you are comfortable with. Always remember to credit other authors when you use their ideas or information and to put quotation marks around direct quotes.

Failure to do so constitutes plagiarism and could result in a failure for the assignment or course. In the body of the text you should reference the author work and page number whenever appropriate. Every source referenced in the text must be included in the bibliography. If you do not use any outside sources then no bibliography is necessary. Your work will be graded on both the content of the paper and your ability to structure a clear well-written argument (introduction-body-conclusion coherent paragraphs proper grammar correct spelling).Outside HelpI am available at office hours and by appointment to help you with your writing. The University’s Writing Center is also an excellent resource. Requirements: 4-5 ‘