Mrs. Paugh - Critical Thinking II
Course Expectations and Policies
1. The reading and response log/journal is an essential part of your sophomore English experience.
2. Each unit (loosely based on a literature unit) will be graded and will usually be equal to a major essay grade.
3. The log demonstrates that you have read and reflected on the reading assignments.
4. To demonstrate that you have read and reflected on your assignment, you will do the following:
a. The entries must be dated and must indicate the pages read at the top of the page: i.e. , TKAM, pp. 22-50. FOLLOW THIS FORMAT
b. Use one or several of the following methods to indicate your response to the material read:
- respond to a passage you think is significant (usually the easiest way to write)
- develop/discuss themes, characterization, symbolism, or comment on language, style, etc.
- record questions and confusions and provide possible answer
- translate the literature being read into your personal experience; make connections to your past or current memories or experiences
- speculate about what might happen and why
- relate reading to other books, ideas, authors, film, art, etc.
c. Do not summarize the pages read. I have read the books, and I am looking for your reflective, thoughtful comments about what you have read. I do not want to read summaries, and they will not be accepted as journal entries. (Logs are NOT summaries but "reflections", and even a little summary will have a significant negative impact on the grade. See the sample logs and emulate.)
d. Two questions: UNLESS otherwise indicated, ALWAYS record two questions AT THE END OF YOUR ENTRY about the section you have read.
5. The log/journal is also a place to record and accomplish class activities. I will often assign prewriting entries or evaluative entries. If I have assigned it in class or for homework, it should be completed.
6. The log/journal provides for regular, informal writing, using a variety of modes, but primarily analysis.
7. Logs/journals will be graded on completion rate and on subjective standards such as "engagement" and thoroughness. Occasional comments will be made. Typically, logs are "grade raisers" since many students find greater success in "informal" writing where standards for form and mechanics are less rigorous and you have complete control.
8. If you are absent you still must complete your logs on time. Check to find out if you missed an in-class writing prompt and be aware that you are responsible to do all the work even if you have an excused absence.
***9. Because entries will often serve as the basis for classroom work, they must be completed ON TIME. Logs may be "picked up" randomly, at unannounced intervals. If the log is not up to date according to reading journal directions and/or brought to class, then the log grade at that point will be an F. If this occurs during the book unit, the "F" will be averaged in to the final log grade. If the log is not submitted on the formal due date the entire log will receive an "F" grade. In short, stay current on reading logs and always bring them to class.***
10. Your logs will often be the basis for small group or class discussions so you will be asked to share your writing. Should you write personal/confidential material, you should have notes to share with the class.
11. Each reading log entry should be at least a full page and legible. It is best to include page number from the text so you can easily find material when writing essays and refrain from copying long passages from the text. (You may copy them if you wish, BUT the text does "not count" in determining the 1 page requirement.)
12. If done well, your logs should be something you want to keep permanently (along with anything you write) as a rich record of the literature you have read and of your own growth and thoughts. Beyond that, there may be some pragmatic value as you return to these authors later on in your studies of literature.
13. "Well done" logs will be a critical resource for formal composition and can save you hours of work. (A paraphrase of the old maxim, "Do it well the first time so you don't have to do it over", should apply here.)