Analytical Book Essays: Goals and Guidelines
The book for review can be chosen from among the approved readings, or chosen in consultation with the instructor.
The analytical book essay should analyze the books theses, assumptions, and evidence. Moreover, the books arguments should be tied to themes from the lectures, discussion, and any other readings.
In these analytical book essays you are expected to combine an examination of the narrow or particular (individual books) and the broad (ideas and themes from the class as expressed through the lectures and other readings). The expectation is that you will not only show some beginning mastery of the main themes in the history of baseball, but that you will also improve your critical reading and analytical skills as well as work on clear, concise, and thoughtful writing.