Assignment: This is a very informal assignment. It does not need to be typed; in fact, these are just notes to yourself so that you are ready to discuss readings in class. (However, I find typing easier, so know that you are free to type these. If your handwriting is very bad, please do type.) Here is what you will need:

• A paragraph (or notes, or a list) describing what the article/chapter is about. Identify the argument/point-of-view of the author. This is identifying the author's opinion, not stating your own.
• A paragraph (or notes, or a list) describing your response to the article. This is your opinion, but be clear about WHY you agree or not.
• Two questions, comments, or items for discussion. Write these out.

Due dates: These need to be turned in, at the end of class on the day we discuss the reading.

• I will not accept them late.
• There will be one due each day we have reading assignments.
• On days on which we have more than one assigned reading, you need only to write about ONE of the readings.
• You may miss two over the course of the semester and have your grade (for this portion of the course) remain unaffected.

Evaluation: You will get either a check (you did the work), a minus (you did not do the work) or a plus (extra credit for an outstanding job). An outstanding job means your responses show:

• an excellent understanding of the text.
• a developed analysis in your response that incorporates evidence from the text itself.
• carefully considered questions that lead to active and engaged discussion.

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