Beard Book Review Assignment

Explanation of the author's thesis

Beard Book Review Assignment

Students mut write a review of Charles Beard’s An Economic Interpretation of the Constitution. In writing this review you will have several goals to accomplish. 

First: You must explain the author’s thesis or main argument. What is the overall argument of the author in this book? This explanation should be as complete as possible. 

Second: You must address what types of sources are used by the author and how does he them? In order to comprehend the sources that your author is using you must examine the footnotes. Examples of a primary source include a diary entry, a letter, a speech, a pamphlet, a newspaper, or a business document to name just a few. A secondary source is a source that is written by an historian. This includes journal articles and books. Whenever you are reading a book you should pay attention to the types of sources that the author is using. 

Third: You must describe the events being discussed by the author to justify his thesis. According to Beard, what led to the Constitutional Convention of 1787? In about a page, summarize the events of the book so anyone reading your review knows what historical events you are discussing. Do not assume that the person reading your review is an expert on the field that your book covers. 

Fourth: You must evaluate how successfully the author has proven his point. Is the author’s argument reasonable and logical? Is there an alternative explanation for the actions of the characters mentioned and the evidence presented? How might a different interpretation be arrived at? 

Fifth: You should render a judgment on the value of the book as a contribution to Fifth. Does the book advance our understanding of the subject matter? Does it challenge any previous beliefs? Would anyone find the book controversial? 

Sixth: You should explain why this book is important. Has the author made a convincing case for this text being important? Has he told us anything that we might not have already known? Why, in your or the author’s opinion, are we studying events that happened two hundred and thirty years ago? Does this book have any relevance to contemporary America?

The final product should be between four and six double-spaced pages in length in twelve point font and thoroughly proofread. Use the present tense when discussing the author’s assertions and 
methodology. (Example: “In this study, the author states that…” not “In this study, the author stated that…”) You should avoid using the first person in your review. Also, refrain from using contractions in your writing. The paper should be formal and professional. Do not use slang or colloquialisms. The title, author, and other pertinent information about the book should be  placed at the beginning of the review. If you quote from your text you must include the page number. 

Your reviews will be due by 5:00 on October 8.  Late papers will be accepted but will not receive full credit. Any form of cheating, plagiarism, or the use of someone else’s work without proper attribution will result in a failing grade for this course.