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All-Purpose Précis Template
Jeffrey Bardzell, Ph.D.
Human-Computer Interaction Design
School of Informatics, Indiana University
Introduction
The purpose of a précis is to provide a substantive, accurate summary of a text, speech, or
other artifact of discourse. It is not a forum for analytical work or criticism; it is intended
to be prior to such work.
Benefits of Précis
Composing précis has a number of benefits. The process helps readers master and
internalize difficult texts. A collection of précis on a body of literature can be
immeasurably helpful for assembling (and developing your own) ideas. If a group (e.g.,
team of researchers) assemble together such a collection, it can serve as an efficient and
effective mechanism for knowledge management.
Understanding “Discourse”
The précis is a basic tool in the broader exercise of mastering and analyzing discourse.
What is discourse? Here is a handy definition: “What the experts say when they are
speaking as experts.” So, when Aristotle argues a philosophical point with a student, it is
discourse. When he discusses lunch with a friend, it is not.
Getting the Gist
When summarizing a work of discourse, it is not necessarily best to paraphrase the entire
argument in order. Rather, you are trying to provide an quick representation of what the
work is and says. That includes summarizing the main claims (or theses) as well as the
primary evidence used to substantiate those claims. But it may also include other
information as well. For example, research methods may be relevant (at least at a high
level). Is the study complete or only at the midpoint? It may also include information
external to the discourse: Is this work foundational to a discipline (as Plato is to
philosophy), highly controversial, or mostly a synthetic synthesis of previous work?
Disclaimer
As a template, this document can only create an approximate structure of an effective
précis. A given work of discourse is unlikely to map isomorphically onto a template.
Therefore, take this template as a big picture guideline. If something needs elaborating,
elaborate it! If something is not relevant, skip it!
Jeffrey Bardzell
1
13-Aug-05
Your Name __________________________________________________
Title of reading _______________________________________________
Author(s) ____________________________________________________
Publication details ____________________________________________
1. Topic. What is the discourse about? What are the primary and secondary topics of the
work?
2. Thesis and argument. What is the main claim or argument of this discourse? (Write a
full, substantive paragraph here; optionally, cite page numbers for major hotspots.
Someone who’s never encountered the discourse should understand the gist of what it
says.)
3. Source of evidence. What is the nature of the evidence upon which the main
argument/claims rest? Qualitative or quantitative research? Analysis of a
textual/discursive tradition?
4. Analytical/Research Methodology. How did the author(s) of the discourse obtain and
analyze the data source? Did the authors conduct statistical analysis of survey data? Is the
research method essentially a logical/mathematical deduction/proof? An analysis of the
historical development of an idea/concept/term? Did the author(s) make practical,
philosophical, or certain enabling assumptions?
Jeffrey Bardzell
1
13-Aug-05
5. Discursive context. How does this work fit in with related discourse? (The latest and
greatest? An introductory summary? A foundational work? A polemic?) Why should
anyone care about this discourse?
Jeffrey Bardzell
2
13-Aug-05