Goal    The purpose of the project read a book related to biology and write a book review (and post on the class/Harwoodlibrary website/wiki etc. if I can get it set up).

The Assignment

            There are many excellent books published every year related to Biology.  The authors often uniquely review a topic in depth. 

            You must produce three work products.  First, you must prepare a written, minimum three pages, typewritten paper (font size 10 or 12 point, one inch margins, double spaced).  Second, you must prepare and give a maximum five minute oral presentation of your project (the five minute limit is a strict limit – no matter how important you think the book is I will stop you at five minutes) for your classmates.  The oral presentation should cover approximately the same material as the written work product.  The written project is due Monday, March 10, 2008 at 2:46 p.m.  You may schedule with me to present your oral presentation any time on or before Friday, April 3, 2008.  Note that everyone cannot present on April 3, 2008.  We will scatter the presentations on and before that date. Third, the papers will need to be available/handed in a digital format also.  I need to work out the details but hopefully we can either post your reviews on the Harwood library web site or a web site for our class.  On Thinkwave I will give you three grades. 20% of the grade will be selecting a book to read.  You should select a book to read by January 23.  40% of the grade will be the written paper.  40% of the grade will be giving the oral presentation. 

Suggested Questions To Address

Some suggested questions to address in your book review are as follows.  You don’t have to any or all of these.  They are simply ideas to get you started.

What is (are) the main themes/ theses in this book?

What evidence did the author give to support the theme/thesis?

Did the author convince you of his or her theme/thesis?

Was this book, historically, an important book? Why?

Has the book changed your view of the world significantly?

What are the strong points of the book?

What are the weak points in the book?

Would you recommend this book to other students at your age?

Find a quote in the book that summarizes the main theme in the book or the essence of the book. Include it in your book review.  Many books include such a passage.

How is this book related to Biology, if it is not obvious at first glance

Are there any topics you want to learn more about after reading this book?

What are your most/least favorite attributes of the book and why?

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