The document provides guidelines for writing book essays. It recommends writing a letter to the author with questions and thoughts about their book. Alternatively, students can choose quotes from the book that help them reflect on essential questions. The goal is for reading to be a positive and transformative experience by studying one's own experience through the lens of different perspectives. Essays should be at least five double-spaced pages unless an alternative format is approved. They must cite sources using a standard format, include a header with key details, and have a title. Reflections should involve serious thought rather than just summarizing the book. Alternative assignments can be negotiated but must have prior approval. Late or incomplete assignments without permission may not receive credit.

1. Toni Morrison, The Source of Self-Regard: Selected Essays, Speeches, and
Meditat
Toni Morrison, The Source of Self-Regard: Selected Essays, Speeches, and MeditationsOne
way to organize your essays are to write a letter to the author with your questions and
thoughts about their book. If they are alive and you send the letter care of the publisher, you
will often hear back from them.Another way is to find quotes in the book that resonate for
you with each of the above organizing questions. After choosing the quote, you will write
about on why the quote helps you think about that essential question.My hope is that this
will make reading the book a more positive and transformational experience. In other
words, your choice of books can be used to study your own experience of these deep
questions from whatever racial and ethnic perspective that you have traveled through life
with so far.Remember, there is no real point in studying philosophy unless the goal is to
come to know yourself on a deeper level and in doing so, to become a wiser person
yourself.I am trying to promote as much freedom as possible. So, you might want to try, for
example, video chats instead of writing. Just keep in communication with me so that I am
aware of how you are demonstrating engagement with what you are reading.Minimum
Requirements EssaysBook essays need to be at least five double-spaced pages unless you
come up with an alternative format that is arranged with me a head of time. For example,
some students in the past have chosen to meet with me and discuss the book they read.12
point font.Paragraphs should be no longer than 10 sentences.You need to cite your sources.
Using me as an example, you would put quotation marks around the quote and then
(Provost 2023, 7).Book essays need to be at least five double-spaced pages.12 point
font.Paragraphs should be no longer than 10 sentences (for easier reading).You need to cite
your sources. Using Jacob Needleman as an example, you would put quotation marks
around the quote and then (Needleman 1994, 7).At the bottom of your essay, you should
cite all the relevant information about the book you read and any other works you might
have used to do further research. It should look like this: Needleman, Jacob 1994. The
Indestructible Question. New York: Arkana.Include a header, with your name, date, class,
and give your essay a title.Reflections are not summaries. That is busy work.Summaries do
not receive credit because they do not require serious thought — simply the ability to
record information.Alternative assignments are based upon a personal contract between
me and you.Your essay is not eligible for an A if it requires proofreading.Essays that are

2. partial (not meeting minimum requirements) do not receive partial credit.Late assignments
are not eligible for credit without previous permission.