Unit VIII Annotated Bibliography
In this project, you will need to find, review, and summarize four different reputable sources concerning a topic related to the last 400 years in Western civilization.
You may choose any topic related to the coursework that you like, but be careful that your selection is neither too large nor too focused in order to ensure that your summaries can effectively discuss the topic. If the topic is too narrow, you may be unable to find four qualified sources.
In that case, broaden the topic.
Your four sources are required to come from the CSU Online Library and fit the following criteria:
One primary source: A document, object, or other material directly related to the topic and time. This should be a document that provides a first-hand account of your topic without previous knowledge of the event. Examples may include newspapers, diaries, letters, film, records, or speeches.
One current, relevant article: An article published in a reputable periodical within the last five years.
One peer-reviewed article: An article from a respected publication put out by universities, historical societies, or another academic entity that has clearly identified the credentials of the author, reviewer, and publisher.
One published book: This can be in electronic or print form and from any time. Be sure to research the publisher, author, and year as that may influence bias.
Do not submit more than four sources; only the first four sources listed will be considered.
If you have questions, please email your professor for assistance. It is also suggested you seek out the guidance of the CSU Writing Center; the writing specialists can assist you with your writing and comprehension of the assignment.
To submit a Writing Center Request form, log in to the myCSU Student Portal. On your page, you will see My Courses. Next to your active course, click on Actions. A drop down will appear, and you can select Writing Center Request.
Purpose:
The purpose of the annotated bibliography example is to help you with the formatting of the annotated bibliography, which can be confusing. Use the document formatting as a guide. If further assistance is needed, contact the Writing Center or your professor.
The following conventions are expected to be followed throughout your project. Click here to view the Writing Center's annotated bibliography example for guidance:
Four selected reputable sources should be formatted in 6th edition APA style.
Annotation paragraphs should be written after each of the four sources (as outlined below).
The entries should be ordered alphabetically.
The entire annotated bibliography should be double-spaced with no additional spaces between entries.
No reference list should be included with the annotated bibliography as the entries themselves will contain the reference list citation information.
If you are having trouble finding resources or distinguishing between what are and are not allowable publications, consult your professor or the CSU Online Library (library@columbiasouthern.edu) for help or suggestions.
Annotations:
The annotation paragraphs begin on the line following the end of the reference. See the Writing Center example to see how this should look.
Each of the four entries should begin with a reference list citation in APA style and be followed by a 100- to 150-word summary of the source's information.
Your annotated bibliography should be at least two pages in length. An annotated bibliography summary should include the most important information from the text.
Sometimes, this means that you will broadly summarize larger portions of text (i.e., main ideas); at other times, this means that you will focus on summarizing one paragraph out of an entire source. Whenever you quote information, use APA in-text citations.