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Annotated Bibliography
“An annotated bibliography is a list of citations of books, articles, and documents. Each citation
is followed by a brief (usually about 200 words) descriptive and evaluative paragraph or two: the
annotation” (http://olinuris.library.cornell.edu). In this class we will use Chicago style for the
citations. Each annotation should make it clear that the source is: a) primary; b) secondary; or c)
a secondary work containing primary sources. For this assignment you may not use any sort of
encyclopedia, although you may wish to begin with one containing general information on your
topic.
The purpose of the annotated bibliography is:
1.) To inform the reader of the relevance, accuracy, and quality of the sources cited. The
annotated bibliography helps you learn about your topic. It is excellent preparation for a
research project. When you have to write annotations for each source, you're forced to read each
source more carefully and critically.
2.) To help you formulate a thesis: The purpose of research is to state and support a thesis; the
annotated bibliography is a very important tool for developing a thesis statement. Writing an
annotated bibliography can help you gain a good perspective on what is being said about your
topic. Annotations help you to see what the issues and arguments are concerning your topic so
that you can develop your own point of view.
Locate appropriate sources that deal with your topic. PLEASE NOTE: Your journal articles
must come from peer reviewed, published scholarly journals. These can be found online through
the UTEP Library but do not use Internet articles. Provide a brief annotation for each source.
Each annotation should contain a full citation: Author, Title, Name of Press, and Publication
Date followed by a brief description of the source.
The annotated bibliography must be typewritten, (12 pt. font, 1-inch margins) and single-spaced,
with one extra space between the source citation and the annotation, plus an extra space between
each listing. Use the hanging indent style: the first line is flush all the way to the left margin, all
lines after that in both the citation and the annotation must be indented (tabbed) eight spaces.
Create sections by type in alphabetical order: Books, with each source listed in alphabetical order
by the author’s last name; Journals, with each source listed in alphabetical order by the author’s
last name; Primary sources also in alphabetical order. Do not use bullets or numbering.
You must have a minimum of eight (8) secondary sources: four monographs (not textbooks) and
four journal articles. All papers must have a minimum of four (4) primary sources. Sources must
be listed in Chicago style. You may use our course readings. You may NOT use an
encyclopedia, either printed or electronic, or a textbook. You may use the Internet, but only to
access reputable, scholarly journals. Do NOT use Internet sites for anything other than artwork,
pictures, or primary sources. See the suggested secondary and primary sources lists posted on BB
in the Research Help content folder to get started.
Do not paraphrase or quote abstracts or book reviews. If you include any direct quotes from the
source you only need the page number in parentheses because the citation is already there. Keep
direct quotations very short and don’t use many. The analysis of the source should be in your
own words, reflecting your evaluation of the material.
The annotation itself should address the following questions:
a.)
b.)
c.)
d.)
e.)
What is the main topic the source covers?
Is it a secondary source? Primary? Secondary but containing primary sources?
What other topics, relating to the main topic, does the source cover?
Are these secondary topics presented chronologically, or thematically?
Does the source contain pictures? Maps? Connections to other sources (notes,
bibliography, suggested further reading list) that would assist a researcher?
f.) What particular trends regarding your topic does the source address?
g.) Do you agree with the major findings of your source? Why or why not?
Plagiarism Warning
Academic dishonesty is prohibited and is considered a violation of the UTEP Handbook of
Operating Procedures. It includes, but is not limited to cheating, plagiarism, and collusion.
Cheating may involve copying from or providing information to another student, processing
unauthorized materials during a test, or falsifying research data on laboratory reports. Plagiarism
occurs when someone intentionally or knowingly represents the words or ideas of another
person’s as one’s own. Collusion, involves collaborating with another person to commit any
academically dishonest act. Any act of academic dishonesty attempted by a UTEP student is
unacceptable and will not be tolerated. Violations are taken seriously and will be referred to the
Dean of Students Office for disciplinary action.