BOOK WRITE-UPS

Required reading list. Students will be required to create a write-up for each book on the required reading list.

• The Everything Store, Brad Stone (Book Report Deadline: February 21st)
• In the Plex, Steven Levy (Book Report Deadline: March 21st)

Description. Both books document the early days of the consumer internet and the rise to dominance of computer software-driven commerce. They are also fun to read. Book reports will concentrate on extracting key ideas from the books and reacting both pro and con to them, especially in the context of their projects. Specifically, mention two pros that you will incorporate into your project and two cons that you will not use. Each book report should be a maximum of 10 pages. Submit your write-ups via Canvas.

• PDF format only
• Use the following file name format: COS448_Lastname_Firstname_FileDescription.pdf
• Include your full name and Princeton NetID in the write-up

Rubric. Grading will be based on the strength, depth, and clarity of your insights.

Clarity (total: 15 points)
6 pts  Writing quality is poor, sloppy, and careless. No real structure to the paper.
10 pts  Writing quality is good. Student attempted to structure the paper in a logical way. A few misspellings/grammar mistakes but not enough to be completely distracting.
15 pts  Writing quality is superb. The structure/logic is very clear and enhances the argument. Little to no grammar or misspelling mistakes. Paper is a joy to read.

Strength (total: 15 points)*
6 pts:  Arguments are weak and unfounded. Fails to clearly identify pros and cons or explain their relevance to the project.
10 pts:  Arguments are supported by one or two examples but not enough to make a truly compelling argument. Student identifies two pros and two cons but provides limited explanation of how they relate to the project.
15 pts:  Arguments are supported by various specific examples. Student clearly identifies two pros they will use in the project and two cons they will not, providing thoughtful, well-reasoned explanations of their relevance. It is obvious the student put a lot of thought into constructing a solidly supported argument.

Depth (total: 20 points)
8 pts:  Observations are very shallow and/or obvious, i.e., “the book was very interesting.” Minimal effort in connecting the pros and cons to the project context.
14 pts:  Student has a mix of both shallow and more insightful observations. Some effort is made to connect the pros and cons to the project, though not always in depth.
20 pts:  Student surprises and delights the reader with insightful observations. Pros and cons are analyzed in depth, with meaningful connections to the project that demonstrate critical thinking and a deeper understanding of the material.

* When constructing well grounded arguments, it is customary (and expected) to look to the book for specific references/passages that support the claims you are making. Therefore, if you are lacking book references and/or page citations, your "strength" score will be hurt.