Form for Peer Review of Topics and Synopses
This form is available to help you structure the feedback offered in the process of vetting one
another’s synopses and helping to define an interesting and viable topic. Constructive
criticism is the order of the day—try to give your partner both positive reinforcement and polite
but honest critical reading and assessment.
Some questions to consider might be:
▪ Is the topic of the right breadth (not too much, not too narrow)? How could it be refined to
accommodate more, or less, research and coverage?
▪ Does the topic have a sufficient and appropriate primary source base? Can you suggest
further possibilities in the search for sources (or different kinds of sources)?
▪ Is this topic framed within a clear historiographical context or debate? Is there a
methodological or theoretical dimension to be considered? Will the topic be sufficiently
interesting and productive?
▪ Can you suggest any other themes or avenues that might be useful to explore?