Annotated Bibliography
You have a research question and a general idea of where your argument is heading. Great! Now you need to dig in and research. For this assignment, you are telling me a bit about your argument in a brief introduction. In addition, you are creating a bibliography of at least 10 sources with a brief annotation for each of them.
Goals
• Come to an understanding of the research process.
• Create a research strategy based on your argument.
• Understand types of sources and clearly discuss them.
• Demonstrate knowledge of MLA conventions.
• Create a clear argument.
Evaluative Criteria
1) Begin your annotated bibliography with an introduction. This should be a brief summary of your argument. It should include:
a) An overview of your research
b) The direction your argument is taking
c) A working thesis
d) This should be at least a half-page, single-spaced.
2) You will need at least 10 credible sources for this assignment. You are expected to have the following:
a) At least 5 scholarly or trade journal sources.
b) 1 print source. I want you to go into the library and find a book. This is a valuable way to browse for sources. Plus, there are librarians there to help you if you have any questions.
c) 1 video. Good video sources are: Ted.com, PBS.com (Frontline, Need to Know, and American Experience are fantastic sources), Netflix.com has wonderful documentaries if you have it, and the Film Direct database on the library’s website (click on databases by title, “F,” and then scroll down to film direct). Remember to always question the credibility of a source. Documentaries have biases. Question who is funding the video.
d) The rest of the sources are up to you. It is of course fine to have more than the required sources. You will not be required to use all of the sources in your final paper.
3) For each source, you need to have an annotation. Each entry will include complete bibliographic information cited according to MLA and at least some of the following information (the items underlined are what you must include):
a. Brief summary
b. Intended audience and use
c. Reliability
d. Success of the author’s approach. Use the skills you gained in the editorial analysis to analyze your sources. Analyze the tone and language; these will be strong clues to audience and value of the work. Analyze the assumptions that the writer makes and the quality of the argument.
e. Significance or value of the source for your argument.
f. Significance or value of source in the field. Is it a foundational source in the field? Is it reacting to another source that you have? Is it giving background information?
4) In terms of appearance, the annotation will begin with bibliographic information (a citation). The annotation is below the citation and should be formatted as follows:
a) Single-space the text of your annotation, which should average about 100 words or more.
b) Indent them one-half inch (see example below).
c) Include evaluative and descriptive information in each annotation.
d) Arrange the annotations alphabetically as you would a works cited page.
Additional Information:
1) The Cornell University Library offers an excellent guide for annotated bibliographies. Check it out!
2) Student examples of annotated bibliographies are posted in the “Proposal, Bibliography, and Researched Argument” folder on eCampus.
Below is an example from a past student’s annotated bibliography.
Cooper, Kenneth H. “The Benefits Of Exercise In Promoting Long And Healthy Lives – My Observations.” Methodist Debakey Cardiovascular Journal 6.4 (2010): 10-12. Academic Search Complete. Web. 14 Mar. 2012.
This article written by Cooper explains all about the benefits of exercise. He includes in his discussion many different types of exercise and the benefits that they have, as well as short and long term effects it can have. The information is kind of broad but it has a slight focus on the benefits of the cardiovascular system. The article is biased but it includes several cited sources and statistical information which supports the good that exercise can do. Cooper includes studies, research, statistics, outside sources, and information from books he wrote in this article. Therefore, I believe this source to be credible. This source will be moderately used as one of my sources involving the benefits of exercise. I need a good background in how exercise can take the place of drugs; this will be one good use for me. The source also includes how exercise is not only a treatment method but a preventative one to diseases as well. Part of my argument involving exercise is how it can prevent diseases as well as treat them.
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