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Reading journals |
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| The goal | Each entry in the reading journal should aim to display
your own independent thinking. Assume we already know what's in the reading.
That means you don't have to reproduce the content. Instead, shape a commentary
on it, starting from your own line of questioning. This can be a particular
insight: pick something interesting to analyze in detail. Or sketch a synthetic
picture that says something new (and goes beyond summarizing the content).
Or make some connection to other readings, other course material, or other
historically relevant knowledge. You can choose any one of a number of strategies,
as long as you show your own thinking. The assignment is called a reading journal for two reasons. First, it requires regular entries. Second, it is an occasion for reflection. A reading journal is more than a reading diary. If you prefer, think of it as a reading response. And remember: while your thinking can be exploratory, the entries are formal pieces of writing. |
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| How is a reading journal entry related to a summary? | As you work through a reading, you may find it helpful
to write up a summary or explication of the text. But that is not yet a reading
journal entry. You can write up a summary for yourself -- always a good strategy
-- but you don't have to turn it in. If you feel a summary is necessary for
your entry, put it in no more than a few sentences. |
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| What do I do with scattered observations? | Small, neat insights are the starting point for something
bigger. They are just begging to be explored. But left as scattered observations,
they hold you back: they hold you back from digging into things in depth.
If you have what feels like a neat insight, ruminate on it and see what more
it leads you to. Don't simply list a series of questions or bullet points.
The whole entry needn't be one single thought, but there should be coherence.
That's not just because coherence is stylistically good, but because producing
coherence requires more thought. |
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| How should I deal with the preparatory reading questions? | You are under no obligation to answer the preparatory questions
in the reader and on the website. They are there to start you on understanding
the piece. The questions designed to walk you through the content aren't
even the best starting points for journal entries. If they provoke you to
independent thought, run with them. But an answer to the questions is not
itself a journal entry. |
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| Have courage! | Don't hesitate to try out new thoughts or write about something
you are still thinking through. Just don't let that become an excuse for
not pushing yourself. If something idiosyncratic strikes you, and you can
build it into a bigger insight, go with it. You can bring in other things
you know, as long as they're historically relevant. |
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Assessment and options |
We know you are learning as you go. We expect the early
journal entries will be less successful, as you learn the expectations as
well as the material. But if the reading journal doesn't work for you, you
are free to switch back to the regular (exam) option. Your reading journal
entries will count as extra credit. |
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| Copyright © Cathryn Carson 2003 |