Book Analysis
Background. The impetus for this project is to make you especially familiar with one<br /><br />
particular movement such that you can be one of the class experts on the particularities<br /><br />
of that movement as the quarter unfolds. This should be especially helpful as we work<br /><br />
through social movement theories and seek evidence to support or refute those theories.<br /><br />
The book analysis. In writing this paper, students should demonstrate a careful reading of<br /><br />
the text and consider how their specific case study might be used in order to generalize to<br /><br />
the dynamics of social movements in general. The book analysis, therefore, should be not<br /><br />
just an overview of the book, but should discuss, in as much detail as space permits, how<br /><br />
this case study relates to the questions raised below. The paper should be written in a<br /><br />
standard 12-pt. font with 1-inch margins all around, and must be between 6-7 pages in<br /><br />
length, or approximately 1500-1750 words. It goes without saying that copying or<br /><br />
paraphrasing an existing review of the book will be considered plagiarism and treated<br /><br />
accordingly; the same goes for collaboration between students in the course, as this is a<br /><br />
solo (not collaborative) assignment.<br /><br />
Selecting a book. Choose one of the following six books on which to write your analysis.<br /><br />
Reviews of books not on this list will not be accepted. All should be available through the<br /><br />
library, although you will likely find it worthwhile to purchase a copy so that you can mark<br /><br />
up the pages.<br /><br />
Almeida, Paul. 2008. Waves of Protest: Popular Struggle in El Salvador, 1925-2005.<br /><br />
Minneapolis: University of Minnesota Press.<br /><br />
Dale, John D. 2011. Free Burma: Transnational Legal Action and Corporate Accountability.<br /><br />
Minneapolis: University of Minnesota Press.<br /><br />
Martin, Isaac W. 2013. Rich People’s Movements: Grassroots Campaigns to Untax the<br /><br />
One Percent. Oxford: Oxford University Press.<br /><br />
Milkman, Ruth. 2006. LA Story: Immigrant Workers and the Future of the U.S. Labor<br /><br />
Movement. New York: Russell Sage Foundation Press.<br /><br />
Raeburn, Nicole. 2004. Changing Corporate America From Inside Out: Lesbian and Gay<br /><br />
Workplace Rights. Minneapolis: University of Minnesota Press.<br /><br />
Skocpol, Theda and Vanessa Williamson. 2012. The Tea Party and the Remaking of<br /><br />
Republican Conservatism. Oxford: Oxford University Press.<br /><br />
While reading the book: Students are encouraged to take notes while reading. This will not<br /><br />
only help with the review but will make it much easier to write a high-quality analysis.<br /><br />
2<br /><br />
Analysis content. The paper should begin with the bibliographic information (i.e. an ASAformatted<br /><br />
reference for the book, which can be copy-and-pasted from the list above) and a<br /><br />
brief (less than two pages) description of the content of the book. The dominant portion of<br /><br />
the piece should address the below issues. Since these are broad issues, and one could<br /><br />
not possibly address all of these issues in a single analysis of this length, I leave it up to<br /><br />
you to choose the questions that are most relevant to the movement you are studying.<br /><br />
A. How did external factors influence the movement? For example, did the movement<br /><br />
depend upon another group for support? What role did the state play in facilitating or<br /><br />
repressing the movement? Did the movement arise in order to express specific<br /><br />
grievances? Did other movements influence this movement? Were there any major<br /><br />
historical events that shaped the movement?<br /><br />
B. How important were internal factors for this movement? For example, what types of<br /><br />
organizational form(s) were most prevalent in the movement and what<br /><br />
consequences did this have for the movement? How were leaders chosen in the<br /><br />
movement and what power did they have compared to other participants? What<br /><br />
significance did class, race, gender, sexual orientation, or other axes of difference<br /><br />
have for this movement?<br /><br />
C. To what extent were culture and identity important for this movement? For example,<br /><br />
were the goals of the movement challenging of the larger culture or supportive of it?<br /><br />
What role did cultural or identity factors play in the movement’s attempts to recruit<br /><br />
participants? Did participants have a sense of larger purpose in their participation?<br /><br />
Was the movement successful in framing its goals, ideals, and practices to other<br /><br />
(outside) groups?<br /><br />
D. Other questions such as: What types of tactics did the movement employ (and were<br /><br />
some more successful than others? If so, why)? What was the response of the state<br /><br />
and/or other institutions that the movement targeted? Was the movement<br /><br />
successful (both in terms of its self-defined goals and also in the opinion of the<br /><br />
author)? What were the consequences of the movement’s success or failure for the<br /><br />
internal structure of the movement?<br /><br />
All papers should describe the methodology used by the author in studying this movement.<br /><br />
What were their sources: interviews with participants? Participant observation? Newspaper<br /><br />
records? Archival data?<br /><br />
In addition, all papers should conclude with a brief critique of the major strengths and/or<br /><br />
weaknesses of the book manuscript under revie

-1000-1250 words
-Double Spaced, 12 pt.
-1 Inch Margins
-Cover Page
– Word Count, Student Name, Class info, Complete Citation
Book : Cannery Row

Prompt
Each student must exhibit a complete understanding of the book. Specifics about every character central to the plot/thesis of the book is required. The majority of your paper will be an in-depth synopsis of the book complete with character/plot or historical analysis. A short review of your personal thoughts pertaining to the book should be included at the end of your paper. As is the case with all academic papers, organization is essential, and each paper should include a quality introduction, body and conclusion. It is essential that you convince me that you read and internalized the book you are analyzing.
Nonfiction
The student must correctly identify the author’s thesis and analyze his or her support of their argument. Did the author provide sufficient evidentiary support of their argument? Identify major events used to support the author’s thesis. Who are the most important figures in the author’s narrative? What are the main historical themes employed in the book? Be sure to be as in depth as possible to show me you understand the authors unique interpretation of the subject.