• Value: 10%
• Length: 1000 words (3-4 pages)
• Due Date: Friday, October 9, 2015

The purpose of this assignment is to introduce you to the protocols of engaging and conversing with scholarly sources. The best way to do this is for you to summarize a scholarly article. The purpose of a ‘critical’ summary like this is not to judge the article for its clarity, or style, or interest. A critical summary works through an argument to trace its premises, assumptions, and conclusions and, if possible, expands or responds to them.

The first step in completing this assignment is to locate a recent article in a credible journal. The article should have appeared within the last 20 years, be substantial in length and content, and at minimum 12 pages long. To find an article, consult the MLA (Modern Language Association) International Bibliography online through UBC Library. If you do not know how to do this, consult the “research help” page (http://help.library.ubc.ca) or ask a librarian who will take you through the necessary steps.

Having found an article that interests you, read it without taking notes to get its “gist” (it’s main thesis). If you’re having trouble getting the gist review the abstract (if it has one), look and headings and sub-headings, and look out for language like “My purpose in this article is…” or “My point is…” etc. Trying writing the gist in one or two sentences.

Once you’ve got the gist, read the article carefully. Take notes on how the argument develops. Questions to ask as you work through the article include (but are not limited to):

• What key words or concepts are repeated and defined in the article?
• What kind of evidence is used to support the argument? Which authors are quoted or cited? How does the author read the main text under discussion?
• Is the piece primarily historical or biographical? Does the author rely on some theoretical apparatus or perspective to make his or her claim? If you aren’t familiar with the historical or theoretical assumptions of the article, look them up.
• What kinds of authorities are cited? How do citations of recent critical analyses compare or balance with citations from older works of history, theory, philosophy, psychology, etc.
• Is there something in the article with which you disagree? Is there something that you find particularly interesting?
• Are there any sudden shifts in the argument? Does the author ever contradict or complicate the original claim? Why?

As you write your summary remember that it should be formal in style and follow MLA format – including a works cited. It should have a thesis, which is your statement of its “gist” are carefully and logically lay out the evidence, authorities, and logic used to develop that thesis. The summary should be in your own words. If you do cite or quote the article you are summarizing make sure that you cite it according to MLA style. If you want, you may respond to the article by offer a counter-reading of a particular point or even by offering a different take on the whole argument. But NEVER comment on the “quality” of the writing—all articles published in peer-reviewed journals are scrupulously edited for style and clarity—or on their “academic” style.