My guidelines for reading responses are fourfold. In two double-spaced pages, you should: (1) Cite a key passage from the reading (directly quote, provide page #); (2) Unpack/interpret the author’s meaning in your own words (this is a descriptive interpretation, not a judgment; we are assessing comprehension); (3) Clarify what is at stake in the reading (why does it matter? how does it intersect with the learning goals of its course unit?); and (4) Write one related question for discussion you think is worthwhile (you may agree/disagree at this point, but go beyond a thumb up or down response).

 

I grade your reading responses (RRs) on "check" system. Ten points indicates a "check plus"--you completed the assignment fully and each facet is done quite well. Seven and a half points indicates a "check"--you completed the assignment fully but each facet is acceptable and not exceptional. Five points indicates a "check minus"--you completed most of the four facets but not all of them. Zero points indicates late work or work not submitted at all.