Critical summary guidelines

Basics:

• 40% of your final grade
• Each critical summary graded out of 10
• You submit only 4 [only your first 4 count]
• Submit at the start of class
• Submit maximum of one critical summary / class
  
• Length suggestion: approx. 500-750w (2-3p DS)
• Write your critical summary on any course reading ...-->
• ** yes you CAN choose to write on a reading after it has been discussed in class
• Maximum one critical summary on any given reading

Return of your critical summaries:

• Expect a ‘turnaround’ two weeks after you submit
• Returned at the end of class
• Past critical summaries can be retrieved at the end of class or during office hours

Writing guidelines:

1. Select one or more readings
2. On the basis of your reading of the article and in-class discussion, prepare your own interpretation of the author's argument using one or two clear propositions
3. Explain the propositions as clearly as you can adding only details you think are necessary
4. Provide your own position on the argument by stating whether you agree or disagree with the author's standpoint
5. Add details and/or examples if you think they help to make your own position more persuasive
6. Edit your critical summary for clarity of language

At a minimum, your critical summary should generally include:

• Explanation of the main argument in your own words
• Evaluation of that argument where you take a stand

Grading standards to be aware of:

1. Insight
   (Do you tackle an interesting issue? Do you develop a thoughtful argument?)
2. Clarity
   (Is your explanation concise? Is your own point of view understandable?)
3. Charity
   (Do you anticipate objections? Consider the opposing side of the debate?)

Consulting instructor / TA about critical summaries:

Free to speak to the instructor or your TA (Octavian) if you have any questions about: writing style, improve your critical summaries, if your explanation or your own point of view is a defensible one, and so on.

Octavian: 5ob3@queensu.ca - Wednesdays @ 10am, Watson Hall rm 113

Mike Kocsis: 9msk@queensu.ca - Tuesdays @ 2pm, Watson Hall rm 024