Guide for reading Wayne C. Booth, et al.
 The craft of research

**Come to class with a written answer for each one of the following questions, in order to be fully prepared for the discussion.  We will take up these questions in the order given below.

1. Preface and Prologue: Identify what seem to you the two or three most important points in this section of the book.

2. Chapter 1: How would you characterize the authors' overall view of research?  For them, what is important about it?  For them, what is interesting about it?

3. Chapter 2: What are the two or three central points in this chapter?

4. Chapter 3: One of the crucial distinctions made in this chapter is between a "topic" and a "claim".  How would you describe the difference between these two things?

5. Chapter 4: How does one move, according to these authors, from being a "beginner" in research to being an experienced researcher?  What is a "research problem"?

6. Chapter 5: What is the difference between a primary and a secondary source generally?  What is the difference when the researcher operates in historical analysis?  According to these authors, the Internet is a mixed blessing for researchers.  What is good about it, in their view?  What is potentially dangerous about it?  What is their "principle" for dealing with Internet sources?  Do you agree with them, or not?  Why?

7. Chapter 6: What is the essence of the authors' recommendations on how to use sources?  Can you put it all in one sentence?...in one phrase?

8. Part Three (Chapters 7-11): ***This is the heart of the book, and the very most important part, so read it carefully.***  Identify the major points made by the authors in the prologue to this part, and in each chapter.  For these authors, what is the most important element in the organization of a research paper?  What are acknowledgments/alternatives/objections, and why should they be considered and/or written about?  Give an example of why they are necessary, one that comes from your area of historical investigation.  What are warrants?  Why do the authors believe these need to be considered and/or written about?  Give an example of one that might come from your area of historical investigation.

9. Chapter 12: What are the most important points in this chapter?  There is a definition of plagiarism in this chapter.  Study it.  What are the various kinds?  What are the best tactics to be used to avoid it?

10. Chapter 13: What is the first step to take when it comes time to revise the draft of a research paper?  Why is this so important to these authors?

11. Chapter 14: What is the function of an introduction to a research paper?  What is the function of a conclusion?

12. Chapter 15: What is the essence of the recommendations of the authors on how to use information in tables, charts and graphs?

13. Chapter 16: What is the essence of the recommendations of the authors on revising and "styling" your paper?

14. Part Five: This section is about values and ethics in research.  What considerations related to values and ethics come into play in research, according to the authors of this book?  Is this all about plagiarism, or about something more?  Explain.