Instructions
The journals are designed to be fairly informal, and the topics are entirely up to you; however, I have found that journals are much more successful when students focus on one concrete issue or idea rather than ramble from one sparsely developed observation to the next.
I recommend focusing your journal using one of the topics listed below if you are struggling to come up with a focus on your own.
The goal here is to engage critically with the readings—develop your interpretation, what you think and WHY you think it.
In other words, ANALYZE the reading – do not summarize.
Your journal should reveal that you have taken the time to read and reflect on the material.
Suggested ways to focus your journal:
Argument the author is making
Types of evidence
Organization of ideas
Effectiveness of the argument
Interesting or unusual language
Role/significance of imagery
Tone, setting, emotion
Significance of the social issue addressed
Conflicts in the essay
Conclusions drawn by the author
Choose your own topic
Though this is informal writing, it should not be sloppy in either the thinking or presentation.
Requirements
Use the primary text and your own analysis.
*NO SOURCES FROM OUTSIDE OF THE COURSE MAY BE USED* If outside sources are used, a 0 will be assigned for the journal. If outside sources are used in the form of plagiarism, you’ll earn an F for the course
Quotes from the assigned readings/videos/materials to illustrate and support your analysis
MLA in-text citations for all quoted and paraphrased material (see MLA Style in the Writing Help module for help)
A Works Cited page is not needed/required
Proofread your work carefully
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