Each book report should be approximately 700-800 words in length and should include the following:

1. A basic bibliographical citation --- author, title, place and date of publication at the top of the first (title) page.

2. A brief identification of the AUTHOR(S), which might include answers to the following: When/where born ? Where/how educated ? Special expertise or qualifications to write about this subject ? Present position ?

3. A SUMMARY of the book's contents and a description of its general scope and nature; also a brief identification of the book's major themes, content and conclusion. Points covered might include:

a) Subject matter covered

b) Author's purpose: what is he/she trying to do ?

c) Period of time covered ?

d) Topics/issues emphasized ?

e) Supporting evidence presented

f) Organization ?

g) Is the book historical/political/social/economic/biographical ?

h) What did the book teach you about how the "game" of politics is played ?

4. Outline notes are to be stapled to the back of the report.

5. A CRITICAL EVALUATION, which might include:

a) Strengths or weaknesses of the book ?

b) Were the sources presented by the author primary or secondary ?

c) Was the author balanced, objective or biased ?

d) Charts/illustrations used ?

e) Literary style ?