How to Prepare an Annotated Bibliography What it is and how to make one

WHAT IS AN ANNOTATED BIBLIOGRAPHY? An annotated bibliography is a list of citations for books, articles, and documents. Each citation is followed by a brief (usually about 150 words) descriptive and evaluative paragraph, the annotation. The purpose of the annotation is to inform the reader of the content, accuracy, and quality of the sources cited.

An entry might look like this: Atkinson, Michael, et al. Tattooed: The Sociogenesis of a Body Art. Toronto: University of Toronto Press. Web Michael Atkinson, writer and poet, shares stories of tattoo enthusiasts and their experiences. He highlights the symbolism and individual importance of tattoos in many cultures. Atkinson’s aim is to take tattoos out of the shadows and reveal them as beautiful, unique expressions of self. Atkinson has done his research well (as shown by his extensive bibliography) and is praised by peers such as professor Craig J. Forsyth who says, “Any research on tattoos should start with Atkinson’s book.” His insights and use of others’ experiences combines well to create his case, and with eloquent language his writing can be enjoyed by readers for both research and enjoyment purposes.

Annotated Bibliographies The format of an annotated bibliography can change depending on the assignment, but the typical format is a list of reference entries followed by annotations. Alphabetized by author No headings Brief Be sure to ask your instructor in any new course about any alternative expectations for your specific assignment.

Annotated Bibliographies There are some unique characteristics of which to be aware regarding annotations: No citations crediting the source or outside sources The presence of the reference entry make citation redundant No direct quotes Your reader will want to hear your interpretation of the material No referrals to the first person Be objective and removed in your description of the source No reference list All sources have already been included in the reference list format Again, be sure to contact your instructor for his/her expectations for your particular assignment.

Variations There are a number of different formats for the annotation. For this one, you will be creating a summary with a critical assessment of the source at the end. Identify the central idea of the source Summarize content Identify the kinds of support/evidence the source uses Evaluate the credibility of the source Identify for whom the source is intended, or would be useful

What you’re doing… Alone or with a partner, you will be putting together a short annotated bibliography, centered on one of cinema’s greatest films. It’s purpose is to survey the critical responses to the film, and illustrate a sense of why the film is considered so important.

Requirements 7 entries (working alone), 10 entries (working with a partner) Each entry must be from a credible critic/scholar. At least 2 (individual)/3 (partner) must be from academic articles about the film (as opposed to reviews) Each entry should have: A properly formatted bibliographical entry An academic summary of the source Entries should be alphabetized, and each entry should be complete (bibliographical info & summary), before moving on to the next entry

Due Dates: Subject chosen: 3/16 (optional) Sample entry submitted: 3/17, end of class Completed bibliography submitted to Turnitin: 3/30, end of day

Films: Choose 3 as a group, ranked by interest Or, write “please pick for us” Seven Samurai Citizen Kane Vertigo The Seventh Seal La Dolce Vita Bicycle Thief 2001: A Space Odyssey The Searchers Tokyo Story Taxi Driver Breathless