Length: 2 pages (double-spaced, 12 pt. font, 1-inch margins =~500 words)
Purpose of the Assignment
A prcis is a concise summary that communicates the central argument, structure, and significance of a scholarly text in your own words. It is something like a reverse-engineered outline of someone elses article; you need to reconstruct the inner structure of the piece from the finished product. This form of writing is an essential tool in academic work: it helps you practice identifying an authors thesis, distilling complex arguments, and articulating them clearly and fairly without inserting your own interpretation or critique. It is also excellent practice as you think about the structure of your final paper for this class.
Task
For this assignment, you will write a 2-page prcis of one assigned secondary reading. You can choose from any of the articles or book chapters assigned for this class. Alternatively, you can also choose your own secondary article, ideally one listed in your annotated bibliography. Your prcis should:
- Identify the authors main thesis or argument.
- Explain how the author develops and supports this argument (e.g., evidence, methodology, structure, key examples).
- Note the works scholarly intervention or contribution to the field.
- Maintain accuracy and neutralityyour goal is not to evaluate the text but to represent it faithfully and concisely.
Requirements
- Your prcis must be written in clear, polished prose. Quoting individual lines or phrases is fine, but avoid excessive quotation; primarily summarize in your own words.
- Write full sentences and paragraphs. Although this is an outline, do not use bullet points.
- Stay within 2 pages. This will require careful selection of what to include and what to omit.
- Structure matters: begin with a statement of the authors thesis, then outline the main steps of their argument, and end with a clear articulation of the works significance.
- Focus on recreating the authors viewpoint. You do not need to bring in your own outside research or even reference other articles from class. The only time you might need to point outside the text is when discussing its contribution to the broader literature.
Assessment Criteria
I will evaluate your prcis based on the following:
- Accuracy: Faithful representation of the authors thesis and supporting points.
- Conciseness: Economy of language; avoiding digression or unnecessary detail.
- Clarity and Coherence: Clear writing and logical flow of ideas.
- Structure: Effective organization that foregrounds thesis, argumentation, and significance.
- Style and Mechanics: Correct grammar, syntax, and citation where necessary.
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