Article Review Essay
In order to successfully complete this assignment, the student must:
1. Choose ONE of the assigned readings listed below and locate it in the library databases (see #2).
a. From the CTC homepage, click on the “Academics” tab. Locate the Library section and click on “Databases.”
b. Step 2: Under the “A-Z Listing of Databases” link, click on the “Academic Search Complete” link.
c. Follow the directions on screen and sign into the online database.
d. In the search box, type the title of your chosen article.
e. Depending on the article, the database will give you different options for accessing and viewing it (Full-text PDF or full-text HTML).
2. Required Reading.
Choose only ONE.
Kidwell, Clara Sue. “Indian Women as Cultural Mediators.” Ethnohistory 39, no. 2 (Spring 1992): 97-107.
Mason, Matthew. “A Missed Opportunity?: The Founding, Postcolonial Realities, and the Abolition of Slavery.” Slavery & Abolition 35, no. 2 (2014): 199-213.
Olsen, Michael L. “Zebulon Pike and American Popular Culture: Or Has Pike Peaked?” Journal of the Central Plains 29 (Spring 2006): 48-59.
5 3. Read the article carefully and completely. Take notes on the key points in each section and organize them in the following manner in preparation to write the essay.
a. The first paragraph of your essay:
i. What is the author’s primary argument? You should be able to state this in one sentence (in your own words). Be clear and concise.
ii. Summarize the source material used to defend the argument. The summary should be several sentences in length. Provide enough detail to demonstrate that you have reviewed the author’s sources.
iii. To be clear: source material is found in the bibliographic documentation indicated in the notes, footnotes, references, or works cited.
b. The second paragraph of your essay:
i. Summarize the article’s content. Your summary should demonstrate a careful and complete reading of the article. For example: What important people, places, and events are examined? What essential themes are discussed?
c. The third paragraph of your essay:
i. In your view, what are the article’s strengths? Be sure to cite specific elements from the article to defend your observations and assertions.
d. The fourth paragraph of your essay:
i. In your view, what are the article’s weaknesses? Be sure to cite specific elements from the article to defend your observations and assertions.
e. The fifth paragraph of your essay (late papers only): Late essay papers must include this additional paragraph.
i. Write a response to the following question: How does the article contribute to a better understanding of American history?
4. Write an essay addressing the items listed above.
S. Review the “Article Review Guidelines” provided under the “Article Review” link on our Blackboard course menu. These guidelines include content reminders and instructions related to formatting, editing, and submitting the paper.
6. Submit your paper by clicking on the “Article Review” link on our Blackboard course menu. Locate the link and attach your paper. Click the “Submit” button. Your essay must be submitted to Blackboard by the due date and time (see below)
