Annotated Bibliography

1. Annotated Bibliography Mr. Angell English 1302

2. But First, Some Synthesis • Remember, synthesis paragraphs focus on a single concept/idea/theme. • English is a global language –> things that make English a global language –> one specific reason that English is a global language. • Synthesis paragraphs are like mini discussions among sources about a single concept/idea/theme. • “Source A and B agree that the internet why English has become a global language. They argue [insert reasons here]. Source C disagrees, however. She argues [insert argument] instead.”

3. Brief Assignment 4 • Purpose: You will need to locate and evaluate the sources you plan to use in your essay draft 1.1; this assignment will help you become more proficient at doing so. • Description: To complete this assignment, prepare an annotated bibliography. Each entry in an annotated bibliography consists of two elements: • an initial citation in MLA format (see Chapter 18 of your St. Martin’s e-handbook), • followed by a 100 – 150 word evaluation of each source, in which you will evaluate the relevance, accuracy and quality of the source. Your evaluation should also include a brief summary of key points of each source’s content. Your bibliography should contain a minimum of six annotated entries.

4. Brief Assignment 4 • (Not in the assignment directions) At the top of your assignment, you should include a brief introduction (3-4 sentences) to your topic, so that your graders can more fully evaluate your source choice. • FOCUS ON SOURCES PUBLISHED WITHIN THE LAST 10 YEARS. • All citations should be in proper MLA format. For assistance with MLA formatting, you may consult your St. Martin’s Handbook (Chapter 18), me during office hours, or a tutor at the UWC.

5. Why Annotated Bibliographies? • To learn about your topic; • Aid in helping you remember what a source says; • Annotated bibliographies allow you to see what has been done in the literature and where your own research or scholarship can fit; • To help you formulate a thesis: Every good research paper has an argument of some sort. The purpose of research is to state and support a thesis. So a very important part of research is developing a thesis that is debatable, interesting, and current. • Recent research materials are important.

6. Why I am doing this in English 1302? • Almost all disciplines utilize some form of the annotated bibliography. • Learning to evaluate your source material is a crucial skill as a writer and as a student. • Your argument is only as good as your sources. • Remember that all of the assignments in this course fit together: • BA #4 – Annotated Bib with six (6) sources on a particular research topic (Due FRIDAY) • Draft 1.1 – Literature Review with eight (8) sources on your chosen topic (Due NEXT FRIDAY); • Draft 2.1 – Classical argument essay

7. Source Evaluation – Key Points • It will be useful to provide a brief summary of the key points of each particular source. • (If you do this now, it will be easier to remember some of the specifics from each article!) • What are the main arguments? • What is the purpose of this book or article? • What topics are covered? • If someone asked what this article/book is about, what would you say? • REMEMBER: Keep the summary brief, and be as specific as possible.

8. Source Evaluation - Relevance • How and why is this particular source important and relevant to your research topic? • Why does this particular source matter? • How closely related is the source to the narrowed topic you are pursuing? • How are you going to use this source in your potential work? • Does the source provide information that supports your point? • Does the source provide information that supports the counterargument to your work?

9. Source Evaluation - Accuracy • Are all of your potential sources reputable and accurate? • If you are using journal articles, are all of the journals peer-reviewed? • If you are using a book chapter, what can you find out about the book’s publisher? • How accurate and complete is the information in the source? • How thorough is the bibliography or list of works cited that accompanies the source? • Does the author or author’s use information from peer-reviewed sources? • Can you find other sources that corroborate what your source is saying?

10. Source Evaluation - Accuracy “I found this source through the TTU library, so it is a reputable source.” THIS RESPONSE, OR ANY VARIATION THEREOF, IS NOT A VALID FOR THIS ASSIGNMENT. Do not simply say the source is relevant or accurate without verifying the claim. Annotations DO NOT NEED direct quotes or paraphrases, so you should have no textual citation in the annotations.

11. Source Evaluation - Quality • Credentials of the publisher or sponsor • Is your source sponsored by a professional organization or academic institution? • Credentials of the author • Is your author an “expert” in the field? • What makes them qualified to say what they say? • Use the greatness of the internet to find out more about your source material and your author.

12. Let’s Look at Some Examples • Summary • Relevance • Accuracy • Quality

13. How Do I Find This Information? • Library databases: • EBSCO • WilsonWeb • Web of Knowledge • Check “Peer Reviewed” • Narrow results by date • See how often source was cited • Let someone else do the research for you! • Pillage the Works Cited

14. For Participation Next Week • Next Week’s participation grade will be counted twice, so be sure to do it and bring it to class! • 800-1000 word rough draft (typed, 1” margins, Times New Roman 12 font, double-spaced). • 800 words means at least 800 words if you want credit. • I’ll be looking for effort, not perfection.

15. So What’s Due? • TODAY: Go make your Writing Center appointment • Get all the extra feedback you can! • FRIDAY: BA4 Annotated Bibliography • At least six entries. • Brief summary, relevance, accuracy, quality. • The examples we looked at today will be on the class blog. • MONDAY: Literature Review Rough Draft • At least 800 words. • Use the outline to help you. It will be on the class blog.