“pré-cis (pr-a’se, pra-se’) n., pl. pré-cis (pra’sez, pra-sez’).  A concise summary of a book, an article, or another text; an abstract.  – précis tr.v. --– cised, --------- -- --– cis-ing, --– cis-es.  To make a précis of.  [French, from Old French precis, condensed.  See PRECISE.]”

     The précis is simply a critical summary of your chosen book.  It should clearly and succinctly identify the author’s thesis.  Then, identify the book’s main points and arguments in support of the author’s assertions.  Finally, your conclusion should incorporate a brief analysis, which describes your take on the book, and whether or not the author succeeded in making her/ his case.  I suggest that you begin by reading your book with a critical eye, and identify its key elements from beginning to end.  You might sit down to read with a note pad or a stack of post-its, unless you feel like marking the book up a bit.  To start with, tentatively identify the author’s thesis.  But watch for any hidden agendas or sub-theses.  Read the book before actually writing your paper, because the thesis may not become clear until the end of the story.

     I would like you to write your précis, using a typed 12-point font (serif or sans serif are O.K., but please no script-style typefaces/ fonts).   Use one and one-half pages, single-spaced, (or 2 to 2 and 1/2 pages, double-spaced), but no more than two or three single-spaced pages (4 or 5 double-spaced pages).  I will be looking for content, structure, and analysis in this critique of your book, with specific references to its substance, as far as they support particular arguments.  Your précis will ultimately consist of about 75% summarization of the book itself (by this, I want you to summarize in your own words, and not restate verbatim what the author says).  The remaining 25% of the précis should contain your critique on the book, the author, her/ his perspectives, and your own views on the book.

An outline of your précis might look like this:
 

A) Thesis:

To find the thesis, try asking yourself:

1) Why did the author write the book?

2) Does the book address prior scholarship on the subject, and if so, does it agree, offering new insights?  If it does not agree, how does it challenge other academic views?

B) Sub-theses (if any)

C) Arguments in support of the thesis.  You may want to do a chapter-by-chapter summary of the book to accomplishe this part of your paper.

D) Conclusion and analysis; does the author convince you of her/ his argument?

Your précis will be due by the last class meeting before the final exam.  In the meantime, happy reading, and feel free to contact me with any questions that you may have.