Trembling Earth A Cultural History of the Okefenokee Swamp

October 23, 2020

Analytical book Review of “Trembling Earth A Cultural History of the Okefenokee Swamp”

Description

The goal of an analytical book review is to share information about a secondary historical source. Rather, it analyzes and discusses the book’s thesis, argument, and evidence. It examines the author’s assumptions and ideologies. It comments on how this book fits into the wider historical literature, and it evaluates the author’s argument, its use of sources and its strengths and weaknesses.

Provided below is an outline for a typical book review. Please note that only 1-2 short paragraphs summarize the book’s content. The rest of the review analyzes various aspects of the book.

All long-form analytical book reviews MUST:

Introduction: Summarize the book (1-2 short paragraphs)

Identity, examine and discuss the book’s thesis or central argument(s) (1-2 paragraphs)

Long form analytical book reviews answer the following questions when appropriate (meaning they don’t do all of this, they only do those topics which are relevant.) (1-2 paragraphs per idea) If you don’t understand a question – don’t try to answer it!

What sources did the author use to write the book – more important HOW did the author use these sources?

What was the overarching goal of the book, beyond just telling the story? Did the author meet this goal?

What ideological influences were present in the book?

How does this book alter your broader perceptions or understanding of history, of the broader topic, or of the world and reality itself?

What was the context in which this book was written? Was it trying to respond to contemporary issues or influenced by cultural or political trends among others?

What were the book’s strengths and weaknesses? (Do not tell me the book was long or hard to understand – that says more about you than it does the book).

Grading Rubrics

Distinguished

(100%)

Proficient

(85%)

Basic

(70%)

Below Expectations

(50%)

Non-Performance

(0%)

Thesis Statement

Raises the strongest objection to the thesis presented in the assignment. The objection is strongly grounded in research and logical reasoning.

Raises a plausible objection to the thesis presented in the assignment. The objection is mostly grounded in research and logical reasoning.

Raises an objection to the thesis presented in the assignment. The objection is somewhat grounded in research and logical reasoning.

Attempts to raise an objection to the thesis presented in the assignment. The objection is minimally grounded in research and logical reasoning.

The objection to the thesis is either nonexistent or lacks the components described in the assignment instructions.

Counter Argument

Provides a strong, thorough rebuttal to the objection. The rebuttal effectively demonstrates that the thesis can withstand the objection and applies the principles of charity and accuracy.

Provides a rebuttal to the objection. The rebuttal mostly demonstrates that the thesis can withstand the objection and mostly applies the principles of charity and accuracy.

Provides a limited rebuttal to the objection. The rebuttal somewhat demonstrates that the thesis can withstand the objection and somewhat applies the principles of charity and accuracy.

Attempts to provide a rebuttal to the objection; however, the rebuttal minimally demonstrates that the thesis can withstand the objection and does not apply the principles of charity and accuracy.

The rebuttal is either nonexistent or lacks the components described in the assignment instructions.

Conclusion

– Provides clear and concise closing remarks that comprehensively summarize the essay. The remarks consider the broader controversy and/or further research that could offer additional insight into the moral solution of the business problem.

Provides closing remarks that summarize the essay. The remarks mostly consider the broader controversy and/or further research that could offer additional insight into the moral solution of the business problem. The closing remarks are somewhat unclear.

Provides closing remarks that minimally summarizes the essay. The remarks minimally consider the broader controversy and/or further research that could offer additional insight into the moral solution of the business problems. The closing remarks are unclear and/or vague.

Attempts to provide closing remarks that summarize the essay, however, the remarks do not consider the broader controversy and/or further research that could offer additional insight into the moral solution of the business problem. The closing remarks are unclear and vague.

The closing remarks are either nonexistent or lack the components described in the assignment instructions.

Written Communication: Context of and Purpose for Writing

Demonstrates methodical application of organization and presentation of content. The purpose of the writing is evident and easy to understand. Summaries, quotes, and/or paraphrases fit naturally into the sentences and paragraphs. Paper flows smoothly.

Demonstrates sufficient application of organization and presentation of content. The purpose of the writing is, for the most part, clear and easy to understand. There are some problems with the blending of summaries, paraphrases, and quotes. Paper flows somewhat smoothly.

Demonstrates a limited understanding of organization and presentation of content in written work. The purpose of the writing is somewhat evident but may not be integrated throughout the assignment. There are many problems with the blending of summaries, paraphrases, and quotes. Paper does not flow smoothly in all sections.

Organization and presentation of content are extremely limited. The purpose of the writing is unclear. There is little or no blending of summaries, paraphrases, and quotes. Paper does not flow smoothly when read.