academic journal ( history)

Academic Journal Article Review Guidelines

Academic Journal Articles:

 “Childhood Slavery and Identity”- Thursday, February 25  “Freedwomen, Sexuality, and Violence”- Thursday, March 17  “Creative Conflict: Lincoln and Eleanor Ragsdale”- Thursday, April 28  “African American History in the Reshaping of the Twentieth-Century American West”- Thursday, May 5

Historians love to review the works of other historians. Whenever a new history book is written, the historical profession

selects experts in particular fields of studies to determine the value and contribution the new work will have on the

academic discipline. Upon completion of the course’s reading, each student will be considered an expert and be required

to read an academic article and submit a 2 page review. Students are encouraged to celebrate the author’s

accomplishments, but also challenge anything that seems substandard. Style and creativity play a crucial role in the

success of your review.

 All papers must be 2 typed pages, double spaced, with 12pt font.  Please put your name, course name, and date at the top of the paper.

Article Review should address the following:

1. The author’s purpose in writing the article 2. The author’s main thesis 3. The author’s challenging of other historical viewpoints 4. The evidence utilized by the author (specifically primary sources) 5. Personal likes/dislikes 6. How the author could make the work stronger? 7. The recommend audience of the article? 8. Explain how this article contributes to understanding African American History 9. An example of how this article supports/contradicts The African American Odyssey (course textbook) 10. Suggested reading to accompany this work (not required, but helpful)

The Format should be as follows:

1. Introduction paragraph  The first paragraph introduces the author and the article you will review  A sentence should give an initial impression of the work  Express the purpose and thesis in the introduction paragraph

2. Body paragraphs  One paragraph should summarize the article  Several paragraphs should address the items listed above.

3. Conclusion paragraph  The final paragraph should express the importance of this work (or the lack)  Suggested readings to accompany this work and other final thoughts

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 Proofread your paper BEFORE you submit  10% of Grade is based upon professionalization of writing

Points will be deducted if grammatical errors and misspellings interfere with comprehension

The culmination of this review will be an AJA discussion seminar where students will engage in a discussion on

highlights and lowlights of their selected article.