Explanations for schoolwork

I was asked by a fellow student why we need to do summaries and critiques of existing works of social theory. My answer, more or less, was to say that it was a way of encouraging us to engage critically, broadly and deeply with the work. She seemed unsatisfied by that answer.

I wish I'd had a link to this critique of a new book on aesthetics and culture by Oxford lit professor, John Carey. This is the kind of critique every student should strive to be capable of writing.