Annotated Bibliography

The assignment will sharpen your research and writing skills. For the assignment you must research 3 articles in peer reviewed academic journals which cover a topic that is of interest to you. For example, if you are interested in: the rise of migrant labour in Ontario, or demise of unions, or the increasing difficulty in finding jobs for new university graduates, or the rise of EPZs… find 3 related articles which provide some research in the area. There is usually a plethora of research on any given topic. You must make sure that this research is found in peer-reviewed academic journals. You can also cover areas that I have not covered in the course outline (but that you have an interest in). You must first identify a topic that is of interest to you, which falls under the very broad umbrella of the Sociology of Work and Occupations. You should try and find current research, say after 2000.

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1. Proper citation (either MLA or APA) at the top of the page.
2. Describe the questions which the author (s) asks. What is the purpose of the research?
3. What is the methodology and theoretical perspective the author(s) uses. In other words, what is the method used to answer the question (face to face interviews, surveys, questionnaires, review of existing literature…). What theoretical perspective grounds this analysis?
4. What are the conclusions the author (s) come to at the end of the study? The main idea (s) of the article.
5. The final part comes at the end of your three annotations. Think about how these articles enhance your understanding of the issue. In 2 pages reflect on the research you have read. You might want to use this as a guideline.
*What are some of the common themes that emerge from the three articles?
*What are some of the things that make sense to you, aspects you agree with.
*What are some things that you find confusing, disturbing… Things you disagree with based on your own experience or observation.
*Can you link these articles to other readings or course material? (Make Text-Text connections.)
* Finally, what are some things that you might consider further, that stimulate further study… that you find thought provoking and insightful. What are some questions which emerge for you as you read this material?

If you have any trouble in selecting a topic, or have any questions please do come see me during office hours or ask in class. Most likely there are other students who have the same question and would benefit by you asking in the lecture. Please pay attention to grammar rules, spelling, punctuation … writing matters!!

Please attach your three articles to the back of your paper. Clip them altogether securely. You will not be getting the attached articles back so have a second copy for your own use. (The assignments are very heavy to carry back and forth)

This is a useful exercise for those of you who are planning on writing an honours thesis or a major research paper in the Social Sciences. It is useful to be able to read a variety of materials and write short annotations.
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