Objective:
You will complete an annotated bibliography of 9 articles outside of our scheduled readings. These annotations help you in several ways. First, you are learning more about your topic, not in a generic sense but in a way that you are starting to see the various dimensions and facets at play with your topic. Second, you are learning ‘how’ to speak about your topic in reading and using the terminology of your topic. Third, you are starting to notice the kinds of evidence that are appropriate, and persuasive, within this topic, and you start to have a sense of how you might want to argue in your final research paper. You will have completed 12+ annotations before beginning your final project.
Contents of an annotated bibliography – APA STYLE
An annotation may contain all or part of the following elements depending on the word limit and the content of the sources you are examining.
- Provide the full bibliographic citation.
- Indicate the background of the author(s).
- Indicate the content or scope of the text.
- Outline the main argument.
- Indicate the intended audience.
- Identify the research methods if applicable.
- Identify any conclusions made by the author/s.
- Discuss the reliability of the text.
- Highlight any special features of the text that were unique or helpful e.g. charts, graphs etc.
- Discuss the relevance or usefulness of the text for your research.
- Point out in what way the text relates to themes or concepts in your course.
- State the strengths and limitations of the text.
- Present your view or reaction to the text.
Sample APA Annotation
From Purdue OWL
Ehrenreich, B. (2001). Nickel and dimed: On (not) getting by in America. Henry Holt and Company.
“In this book of nonfiction based on the journalist’s experiential research, Ehrenreich attempts to ascertain whether it is currently possible for an individual to live on a minimum wage in America. Taking jobs as a waitress, a maid in a cleaning service, and a Walmart sales employee, the author summarizes and reflects on her work, her relationships with fellow workers, and her financial struggles in each situation. An experienced journalist, Ehrenreich is aware of the limitations of her experiment and the ethical implications of her experiential research tactics and reflects on these issues in the text. The author is forthcoming about her methods and supplements her experiences with scholarly research on her places of employment, the economy, and the rising cost of living in America. Ehrenreich’s project is timely, descriptive, and well-researched.”
The annotation above both summarizes and assesses the book in the citation. The first paragraph provides a summary of the author’s project in the book, covering the main points of the work. The second paragraph points out the project’s strengths and evaluates its methods and presentation. This annotation does not reflect on the source’s potential importance or usefulness for this person’s own research.
Link to additional resources for annotated bibliography: https://www.lib.sfu.ca/help/cite-write/citation-st…
