Writing for General Curriculum

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    Scholarly vs Non-Scholarly Publications

    Journals and magazines are important sources for up-to-date information in all disciplines. Because we get many different types of periodicals, it can be difficult to distinguish between the various levels of scholarship found in the collection. In this guide, the criteria for periodical literature is divided into four categories:

    1) Scholarly, 2) Substantive News or General Interest, 3) Popular, and 4) Sensational.

     

    DEFINITIONS


    Webster’s Third International Dictionary defines “scholarly” as: 1) concerned with academic study, especially research, 2) exhibiting the methods and attitudes of a scholar, and 3) having the manner and appearance of a scholar.

    “Substantive” is defined as “having a solid base, being substantial.”

    “Popular” means “fit for, or reflecting the taste and intelligence of the people at large.”

    “Sensational” is defined as “arousing or intending to arouse strong curiosity, interest or reaction.”

    Keeping these definitions in mind, and realizing that none of the lines drawn between types of journals can ever be totally clear cut, we can say that in general the criteria are as follows:

     


    SCHOLARLY


    Scholarly journals generally have a sober, serious look. They often contain many graphs and charts but few glossy pages or exciting pictures.

    Scholarly journals always cite their sources in the form of footnotes or bibliographies.

    Articles are written by a scholar in the field or by someone who has done research in the field.
    The language of scholarly journals is that of the discipline covered. It assumes some scholarly background on the part of the reader.


    The main purpose of a scholarly journal is to report on
    original research or experimentation in order to make such information available to the rest of the scholarly world.


    Many scholarly journals, though by no means all, are
    published by a specific professional organization.


    EXAMPLES OF SCHOLARLY JOURNALS

    College English
    Contemporary Literature
    JAMA: The Journal of the American Medical Association
    Journal of Black Psychology
    Psychological Bulletin


    SUBSTANTIVE NEWS OR GENERAL INTEREST

    These periodicals may be quite attractive in ppearance, although some are in newspaper format. Articles are often heavily illustrated, generally with photographs.

    News and general interest periodicals sometimes cite sources, though more often do not.


    Articles may be written by a member of the editorial staff, a scholar or a freelance writer.

    The language of these publications is geared to any educated audience. There is no specialty assumed, only interest and certain level of intelligence.


    They are generally published by commercial enterprises or individuals, although some emanate from specific
    professional organizations.


    The main purpose of a periodical in this category is to provide information, in a general manner, to a broad audience of concern citizens.


    EXAMPLES OF SUBSTANTIVE NEWS OR GENERAL
    INTEREST PERIODICALS
    Economist
    National Geographic
    New York times
    Scientific American
    Vital Speeches of the Day

    POPULAR

    Popular periodicals come in many formats, although often somewhat slick and attractive in appearance. They include lots of graphics (photographs, drawings, etc.).


    The publications rarely, if ever, cite sources.

    Information published in such journals is often second or third hand and the original source is sometimes obscure.


    Articles are usually very short, written in simple language and are designed to meet a minimal education level. There is generally little depth to the content of these articles.


    Articles are written by staff member or freelance writers.


    The main purpose of popular periodicals is to entertain the reader, to sell products (their own or their advertisers’), and/or to promote a viewpoint.


    EXAMPLES OF POPULAR PERIODICALS
    Ebony
    Parents
    People Weekly
    Reader’s Digest
    Sports Illustrated
    Time
    Vogue

    SENSATIONAL


    Sensational periodicals come in a variety of style, but often use a newspaper format.


    Their language is elementary and occasionally inflammatory or sensational.

    They assume a certain gullibility in their audience.


    The main purpose of sensation magazines seems to be to arouse curiosity and to cater to popular superstitions.

    They often do so with flashy headlines designed to astonish (e.g.,“Half-man Half-woman Makes Self Pregnant”).


    Most libraries do not subscribe to sensational periodicals.


    EXAMPLES OF SENSATIONAL PERIODICALS
    Globe
    National Examiner
    Star
    Weekly World News

     

     


     

     

    Evaluating Websites

    Authority - Is the website based on reputable and reliable sources? Is there a bibilography?  Are there citations?  Is the author of the website an expert on this subject?  
    Objectivity - Is the website free of bias?    Who is responsible for the website? Are you getting an educated version of this topic, or is it just opinion?
    Currency - Has the page been updated recently enough so that it reflects the most current data? Is there a date to indicate that this page is  regularly evaluated and maintained?
    Coverage - Does the website have valid information on the topic?  Is it free of typos and errors?  Does the page have a professional look and free of advertising? Are there links to other worthwhile websites?