GUIDELINES FOR READING CRITIQUES

You are responsible for writing a critique of each of the readings (total of 4) and turning it in on the scheduled due dates (see class schedule at the end of the syllabus for due dates). A critique consists of a precise reading of the article (not a summary), identifying WHY the author wrote the article, guidelines, highlighting major points that support the author’s thesis, and works of art used as examples to support the thesis. These readings will helpful when writing your essays and when reviewing sources for your research paper/book review.

The following are a list of questions you should ask yourself while reading:

1. What are the main points/arguments (thesis).
2. What examples (works of art) did the author use when making main points and were they effective?
3. What does the author want you to believe?
4. What other evidence does he/she put forth to support their argument?
5. What conclusion is given?
6. Describe the author’s writing style (does it flow, is it too technical, wordy, etc.)
7. Is there a main theme to the text, something you notice the author repeats throughout?
8. What was your overall impression of the reading?

The critique should be 1 to 1½ pages long double spaces and typed. The readings are due the class meetings before each exam. We will also have a brief discussion highlighting the main points.