Reading Journals

Some of the most important work you will do this semester will take place in your Reading Journal.  Buy a single subject, college-ruled spiral notebook to serve as your journal.

What goes in my reading journals?

Reading notes, answers to reading questions, the definition of  words you learn from dictionary.com "Word of the Day," the definitions of new vocabulary from our readings, prewriting for your text based essays (free writing, brainstorming, outlining etc.) You may not include rough drafts in your journal.

How will my journal be evaluated?

Your journal will be evaluated quantitatively rather than qualitatively. In other words, in this case how much work you do is the basis of your grade. I will collect your journals toward the end of the semester. I will look over your journal and assign a grade based on the following scale:

F: Fewer than 15 pages

D: 15-20 pages

C: 21-29 pages

B: 29-34 pages

A: 35 or more pages

Wow, that seems like a lot of writing and busy work.

I understand why you might initially view the journal in this light. However, 5 of the major essays in this class require you to read and write about difficult texts. The best way to come to terms with these texts is to spend time working out your ideas about them before you begin drafting your essay. Your journal provides a space for you to prepare to write your essays without anxiety about your writing skills.