SOC 327: Ethnic Conflict
COLGATE UNIVERSITY
FALL 1999
Professor Thomas Hall
Last update 11-2-99

Criticizing A Case Study

I.  Doing the Research [See Picking Your Case Study and Annotated bibliography]
II. Presenting a report to the class on the text [below]
III. Critiques of other reports [see Criticizing A Case Study]
IV. A written version that elaborates on II and incorporates critiques [Writing A Case Study]

Part III, critiques, is a vital part of the entire process.   Here you must be an "active listener" to reports of others, and offer comments.  This means, among other things, that it is vital that you come to class during reports.

By the next class meeting following the report [and for the report on 11/22, BEFORE you leave for Thanksgiving] you must turn in a critique of the report you have heard [obviously those presenting do not need to do this].  NOTE:  you may send your report to me by email.  If you do, be sure you put in the body [not only the subj line] YOUR NAME, and the GROUP[S] on which you are commmenting. 

First, remember that, YOU too, will be in "the hot seat." The goal here is NOT to criticize in the sense of "to cut down, or denigrate." Rather, the goal is to be helpful. In particular help the presenters figure out what parts of the report need further strengthening, or elaboration, or clarification. Also in your written comments point out the parts that you think are good or fine, so that the presenter can concentrate on those parts that need more work. Be especially attentive to any questions the presenter raises. See if you can make useful suggestions.

The point here is for all of us to help each other write the best possible final version of the report.

Listen for, and ask questions about the following:

Is the case clear?  If something was unclear to you, is probably unclear to others.  Also, if during the discussion you asked a question for clarification, and the answer did clarify the issue, say in your comments "your answer to the question on X, was helpful, include that in the report."

Is there sufficient information to make an analysis?

Do the conclusions follow from the evidence?

What additional information would strengthen the case?

Can you think of alternative interpretations or conclusions?

If you have alternatives can you suggest ways to decide which is correct?

How does this case compare with your case study? Do it add, subtract, modify, or strengthen your own analysis?

How does this case study compare with the other case studies by other students and from the various readings?

Can you suggest other case studies that might strengthen the presenter's argument?

Can you suggest other strategies for lessening the conflict?

Etc.