Mexican American Studies

Book Critique Parameters

Your overall objective is to master the major themes in Decline of the Californios by Leonard Pitt (MAS 141 only) or The Braceros by Jacobo (MAS 142). This will require a full reading of the book(s). Please follow the parameters below:

1. Provide a brief summary of the book (This can be accomplished in no more than two paragraphs of 4-5 sentences.)
2. Make sure that you identify the major themes put forth by the author(s).
3. Select one or two themes and provide a critical analysis.
4. Criticize the themes. By this I do not mean whether you like or dislike the authors objectives. You need to provide aggressive critical analysis supported by evidence from the reading and thoughtful logic. Remember that there are no right or wrong responses, but you will have to defend your contentions.

I will expect a professionally written critique. It is imperative that you follow the below guidelines:

1. Organization: Introduction, body, conclusion
2. Ensure transitional lines between paragraphs
3. At all cost avoid the "passive voice"
4. Avoid first-person singular
5. Avoid the negative-voice
6. Avoid generalizations
7. Use a thesaurus to expand your vocabulary
8. Although not mandatory, I would be more than glad to review a "final rough

draft" if it is submitted in a timely manner.

9. Finally, please follow MLA format.