Directions for the book review of The Wild Boy of Aveyron
The paper should be approximately 5 to 7 pages long. The words in bold and underscored print are required to be your topical headings in your book review. Double space with one inch margins on each side of the paper with "Times New Roman 12 font." Use only one (1) space between topical heading and material that follows. Violations of these rules will hurt your grade. If you need clarification, ask questions in class.
[Title Page]
[Student's Name]
A book review of
The Wild Boy of Aveyron by Harlan Lane
submitted to the Sociology and Criminal Justice Department
of the University of North Carolina at Pembroke
in partial fulfillment for the Bachelors Degree
[date of submission]
[At the bottom of the title page include:]
I have neither given nor received unauthorized aid in the preparation or completion of this manuscript. ________________________________ Make a space to sign your name for each draft you submit for class.
Required Outline:
Compose an original Abstract (summarizing the entire book within a single paragraph). Do not go over 1 paragraph. This must be on a separate page located immediately following the Title page.
Throughout the book, the statement is made: "Was the boy left in the forest because he was an idiot or did he become an idiot because he was left in isolation" -- no human contact. Under the typical heading, Nature v. Nurture offer an educated guess. Explain what you believe and why. Do not go over one page.
Fact Checks
Under Jean-Marc-Gaspard Itard, describe his academic background and how he became the wild boy's mentor (see chapter 3)
On page 99, Itard includes Five Aims. In your opinion, how successful was Itard in achieving these aims?
Under Victor's Name, explain how the wild boy got his name (see chapter 5)
Explain the Value this book has to your future learning and/or your major.
Write a Summary.
Warning: Much of this book was written in the early 1800's. Thus, the vocabulary is from the 1800's. Following is an explanation of the diagnostic terms: Morons, Imbeciles and Idiots. Morons had adequate learning skills to complete menial tasks and communicate. Imbeciles never progressed past a mental age of about six. Idiots were characterized by poor motor skills, extremely limited communication, and little response to stimulus. The wild boy was diagnosed as an Idiot. Within the book, the term Idiot is used a great deal as a medical diagnosis. During this time, the terms Moron, Imbecile and Idiot were used exclusively by doctors and not by the general public.