EDUR 6100
Book Reviews There are several objectives of the Book Review Assignment including:
1. Multi-level analysis of course texts/material 2. Meaningful connections to educator practice 3. Observation of real methods and products of educational
anthropology/ethnography 4. Reflection upon the contexts and current issues in education
The instructor may assign the whole text or a portion of the text (see syllabus). Please submit an economical yet organized and polished review of the text through the course website. The word targets are listed below in an effort to compel authors to be economical and edit, but the lengths are targets that can be missed—give or take. You may write a continuous integrated essay or subdivide—your preference. Submit your written entry on via the course journal tool. Please do not attach files. Rather, submit text in the journal entry (but save your work on your own computer). Deadlines for posting are on the course syllabus. For each text, please deliver an integrated treatment of the following components:
A. A critical review of the assigned text • Post as a film or book critic would. Avoid summarizing the material(s) and, rather, provide synthesis,
analysis, reaction, disagreement, quotation, arguments, connections, and/or critical insights on the readings and topics for that week. Target: 200 words.
B. A meta-level evaluation of the methods and presentation of the text’s ethnographic research • Beyond the content, discuss and evaluate the author’s anthropological approach to research and the
manner in which the text is written. Review and evaluate the author’s research focus, as well as the data collection and findings presentation techniques. Target: 200 words.
C. Connection to recent events in Education • Search for and discuss an episode of schooling current events—locally, statewide, or nationally—that
deals with the same main topic as the book (e.g. race, ethnicity, immigration, culturally responsive curriculum). Describe the event (embedding or linking to the news article, report, video, or website may be appropriate). Include your perspective on the dynamics at play in the current event. Target: 200 words.
D. Implications for educator practice • Provide a discussion of the implications of the above sections for educator practice. (i.e. what impact
can the general review of the text have on educator practice?; What can educators take from the data collection methods towards more effective pedagogy?; and/or How can educators grow in their understanding of the dynamics surrounding this topic in schools?) Target: 200 words.
Rubric (5) Above Target (4) Target (2) Below Target
Review; Meta-properties;
Connection to currents; & Connection to
practice.
Concise yet insightful, engaging treatment of the text. Polished graduate level writing. Author provides clear evidence that they read the assigned text carefully. Appropriate citations are made. Engaging current event contribution and reflection. Entry addresses all areas of the prompt.
Organized treatment of the text. Graduate level
writing. Author provides evidence that they read the assigned text. Appropriate
citations are made. Provides a current event
contribution and reflection. Entry addresses
all areas of the prompt.
Some areas may be missing. Entry may be missing or late.
Author provides a general treatment of the text. Writing is at an adequate register and may
need editing. Author provides some evidence that they read
the text. Appropriate citations are made. Current event
contribution and reflection. Entry addresses the prompt.