| Instead of a research paper, the student may write two book
reviews. Each book review will be three-to-five-pages in length,
double-spaced. The review will seek to evaluate the effectiveness of a book as
fiction. This involves a discussion of plot, characterization, themes, metaphor,
symbols, diction and language, etc. Keep in mind that this is an evaluation, so you
may find the book deserves high praise, a mixed response, even rejection. The review
should attempt to note the presence of any post-colonial themes. You should not
consult other reviews of the book in the course of writing your own. Remember that DBU's Honor Code says the following about plagiarism and
collusion:
- Plagiarism
shall be defined as the appropriation, theft, purchase, memorization, or
obtaining by any means another's work, and the unacknowledged submission or incorporation
of that work as one's own offered for credit. (Appropriation includes the quoting or
paraphrasing of another's work without giving credit therefore.)
- Collusion
shall be defined as the unauthorized collaboration with another in
preparing work offered for credit. A student is not guilty of collusion if he or she
merely discusses with another a matter relevant to the work in question.
Any student found guilty of plagiarism and/or collusion in
regards to the research paper (or any other major assignment) for this course will be
subject to one or more of the following: a failing grade for the assignment, no credit for
the assignment, and/or a failing grade for the course itself. [Click
here for more information on plagiarism and collusion.]
The student may choose any of the books from the Post-Colonial, Magical Realist, and Diaspora Authors list. Copies
of the review will be made for students in our class, but the review will not be presented
during class time. Two students cannot review the same book, so you need to confirm
with me your choices. I'll keep a master sign-up list. |