READING RESPONSES
The reading responses are a way to help you digest and solidify your understanding of the readings by analyzing the information you read and comparing it to other class readings.
WHAT READING RESPONSES SHOULD DO
1. Select one concept/issue/idea that shows up in two readings (do not use more than two readings) and compare how it is handled by each reading. You may want to ask yourself the following questions as you write: What are the differences between the ways each reading handles the concept/issue/idea? How do the two visions presented of the concept/issue/idea complement each other? Is there one version that you agree with more and why? Can both versions coexist and if so, what do they add to each other? You want to make two-to-three points about how the two readings handle the concept so you have room to explore each point in depth.
2. Use direct and paraphrased quotes from the two readings. While I will not be counting the quotes, I suggest having at least three citations per reading.
3. Titles are optional. You can either title your response or call them “Response 1” and “Response 2.”
4. Please use MLA for your citations. If you need assistance with MLA, visit the Purdue OWL (https://owl.english.purdue.edu/owl/resource/747/01/). I expect in-text citations and a Works Cited page for every reading response.
5. You can turn in your response any time within the allotted time frame for each section (see Assignment Calendar below). One of the readings you choose must be from the current section, but you are welcome to choose from the previous (not future) section for the second reading. You can only address a reading once in your responses, so don’t repeat readings.
2. Use direct and paraphrased quotes from the two readings. While I will not be counting the quotes, I suggest having at least three citations per reading.
3. Titles are optional. You can either title your response or call them “Response 1” and “Response 2.”
4. Please use MLA for your citations. If you need assistance with MLA, visit the Purdue OWL (https://owl.english.purdue.edu/owl/resource/747/01/). I expect in-text citations and a Works Cited page for every reading response.
5. You can turn in your response any time within the allotted time frame for each section (see Assignment Calendar below). One of the readings you choose must be from the current section, but you are welcome to choose from the previous (not future) section for the second reading. You can only address a reading once in your responses, so don’t repeat readings.
WHAT READING RESPONSES SHOULD AVOID
1. Do not bring in outside research. Use the two readings you have selected exclusively.
2. Avoid spending too much time discussing your personal reaction to the pieces. Your focus is to compare how the readings handle the concept/issue/idea you have selected.
3. Do not go under 900 words or over 1,200 words. I will grade electronically and will run a word count (of the text only) before I grade you. You will not be able to give an in-depth enough response to the readings if you go under 900 words. The upper word limit of 1,200 words is designed to help you learn to express your ideas succinctly and to avoid repetition and rambling. These skills are key to your success as a professional writer and this assignment aims to help you hone them. As a result, I will penalize you for going over the word limit.
4. Do not turn in your response after the section deadline. I will deduct two points per each day your response is late.
Reading Response Delivery
In order to receive full credit, you must do the following:
Complete your responses in Microsoft Word and name each document using your last name and Reading Response #, i.e. Hidalgo Reading Response 1. You will email each response to [email protected]. The subject of your email should be your last name and Reading Response #, i.e. Hidalgo Reading Response 1.
I will deduct a point if you do not follow this format as you turn in your response.
2. Avoid spending too much time discussing your personal reaction to the pieces. Your focus is to compare how the readings handle the concept/issue/idea you have selected.
3. Do not go under 900 words or over 1,200 words. I will grade electronically and will run a word count (of the text only) before I grade you. You will not be able to give an in-depth enough response to the readings if you go under 900 words. The upper word limit of 1,200 words is designed to help you learn to express your ideas succinctly and to avoid repetition and rambling. These skills are key to your success as a professional writer and this assignment aims to help you hone them. As a result, I will penalize you for going over the word limit.
4. Do not turn in your response after the section deadline. I will deduct two points per each day your response is late.
Reading Response Delivery
In order to receive full credit, you must do the following:
Complete your responses in Microsoft Word and name each document using your last name and Reading Response #, i.e. Hidalgo Reading Response 1. You will email each response to [email protected]. The subject of your email should be your last name and Reading Response #, i.e. Hidalgo Reading Response 1.
I will deduct a point if you do not follow this format as you turn in your response.
ASSIGNMENT CALENDAR
Reading Response 1
Value: 10 points
Due date: Any time between 1/15 and 3/6 (by midnight)
Reading Response 2
Value: 10 points
Due date: Any time between 3/24 and 4/22 (by midnight)
Value: 10 points
Due date: Any time between 1/15 and 3/6 (by midnight)
Reading Response 2
Value: 10 points
Due date: Any time between 3/24 and 4/22 (by midnight)
QUESTIONS
If you have questions about this assignment, feel free to email me, stop by my office hours, or make an appointment.
