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America BOOK REVIEWS All graduate, post-baccalaureate, and non-degree seeking students will write reviews on four books of sufficient length selected from the reading lists at the end of chapters in the required readings. Each student will choose one book on southern history primarily covering the pre-Civil War and Reconstruction era, one from the Civil War and Reconstruction era, and one from the post-Civil War and Reconstruction era. Students may choose any book primarily covering southern history for their fourth book review. To be acceptable, the text of a book must be at least 180 pages (not counting appendices, bibliography, index, or any other supplementary materials). Each book review will consist of 1200-1500 words (approximately five, typed, double-spaced pages). Reports will contain a statement of the book's thesis (check book reviews to make sure), a summary of the author's argument, a statement of why the book is important, the assessment of reviewers, and the student's own evaluation of the work. The student will list at least two scholarly book reviews that he/she has consulted. The Journal of Southern History is the obvious place to start. Also, check Reviews in American History for books published after 1972. Otherwise, check America: History and Life on the Meyer Library web page (under Indexes and Databases) to find other suitable reviews. Reviews in American Historical Review, Journal of American History, and the major state journals are preferred. (The Southwestern Historical Quarterly is the journal of the Texas State Historical Association)
All books must be approved by the instructor.
Bring the books to the instructor's office during
office hours for approval, or make an appointment with the instructor.
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