Throughout the semester we had to keep a weekly reading journal in Google Drive. The purpose of the journal was twofold:
- First- to demonstrate that you read and comprehended the assigned reading, This is your accountability to do so
- Second- (and more importantly) use the assignment to explore your own questions and points of interests and bring these issues to class for further discussion.
Each response was required to contain 3 parts each week, as follows:
1. Interpret: After reading the assigned novel (or portion) begin to ask questions about meaning and significance. For example:
What do you believe the point of the work is and why?
What questions does the author raise in the work?
What assumptions does it reflect (or resist)?
What are some aspects of the work that stand out to you?
Compose a paragraph in which you address your initial impression of one or more of the above ideas. Point to a specific passage or action in the work that relates to your idea.
2. Critically evaluate: Consider how the supplementary reading for the week can be applied to a critical reading of the novel. For example, think about:
What is the main argument of the essay?
What does this theoretical perspective reveal about the novel assigned?
How does it add to or reconfigure your reception?
How does it inform seeing the work as part of a larger women’s tradition of writing?
What assumptions does this perspective expose etc.?
As above, compose a paragraph that addresses one or more of these issues- point to at least one significant quote or section in the essay in your discussion.
3. Points of discussion for class: List at least 2 discussion points you wish to explore further in class- What do you want to talk about and why?
