Precis. You will be required to write ten précis over the course of the semester.

You will be required to write ten précis over the course of the semester. Each précis will be exactly one page, double-spaced. For each précis you will be asked to summarize clearly and concisely, and in your own words (no quotations!), the assigned reading for that class period. The goal of the précis is to explain the reading so well that even a family member or friend could understand the gist without their having read the text themselves. The précis should be sure to include:

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• Mention of the author and text summarized in the précis.

• An explicit statement of the main claim(s) made, along with an explanation of what each claim

means. If a claim involves technical or unclear terminology, the terms should be explained.

• A brief explanation as to why the author is bothering to make this claim or set of claims.

• If the aim of the author is to justify a claim, the argument(s) justifying the claim should be

summarized.

• If the aim of the author is to explain a claim, that explanation should be summarized.

• The précis should conclude by raising either a question or potential criticism.