Origins of western technology

Critical Review FAQ

Answers to various questions about the critical review assignment.

May I write in the first person?

Absolutely. A critical review requires you to have an opinion, and it makes sense to write about your own opinions in your own voice.

Does the paper need to have a title?

A title is not required.

Are secondary sources required?

Yes, they are part of your assignment. Using additional sources, be they lecture notes, the course textbook, or additional material from other courses or the library, is necessary. How else will you know if the Books, Banks, and Buttons is factually correct otherwise? (For example.)

On citing URLs...

A full citation of a webpage will always include all of the following information: Name of webpage, URL, author of webpage (if available), date on which webpage was last updated, date on which YOU viewed the website.

When should I footnote information?

When in doubt, footnote. It is better to have too many than not enough.

You don't need to footnote information you footnoted in the previous sentence, especially if it's a continued discussion of the same material.

Do I need a title or cover page?

The assignment does not require a title or cover page. You can include either if you wish, but neither is required.

Where should late (or early) papers be delivered?

Late papers can be submitted to the IHPST Main Office, Rm. 316. During working hours, please hand your paper directly to the office staff. When the office is closed, leave your paper in the drop box outside the main office and sign and date the sheet of paper on top of the box.