Reading Journals: 10 Or 100 Points Total, 8 Each Week

Reading Journals 10 Or 100 Points Total 8 Each Week For Weeks 2 9

Each week for weeks 2-9, you will complete and submit a reading journal that summarizes the main points from the week’s reading and discusses ideas you developed based on the readings. The length and style are at your discretion. It will be most helpful to you if you complete these weekly. These assignments are mainly for you to a) keep you on track and b) give you a record of your ideas about the readings.

There are three grade possibilities for these assignments: 12.5 = You submitted something and it met expectations by engaging all the readings; 9 = You submitted something and it did not meet expectations; 0 = You did not submit anything.

This is almost a simple “check” assignment. The “9” grade is for those submissions that show you have not done (all) the reading or not done it thoroughly. The required length is 2+ pages. The style can be informal, formal, academic, or whatever works for you. When citing, mention the authors, use quotation marks, and, if it’s helpful for you, refer to pages.

Paper For Above instruction

The weekly reading journals serve as an essential component of the learning process in this course, designed to enhance comprehension, critical thinking, and personal engagement with the material. These journals require students to succinctly summarize key points from the assigned readings and reflect on their ideas or questions arising from the texts. The purpose extends beyond mere compliance; it fosters active learning, helps students stay on track, and creates a personalized record of their evolving understanding of the subject matter.

Engaging thoroughly with the weekly readings is crucial. Students are advised to allocate sufficient time to digest the material and to express their insights clearly in the journal entries. The recommended minimum length of two pages allows for an adequate synthesis; however, students are encouraged to explore deeper reflections and analyses, especially when their insights prompt further inquiry or connections with prior knowledge.

In terms of style, students enjoy flexibility—whether informal, formal, or academic—so long as their reflections are thoughtful and articulate. Proper citation methods include mentioning specific authors, incorporating quotations with quotation marks, and referencing page numbers when necessary. Such citations not only attribute ideas appropriately but also demonstrate attentive reading and comprehension.

Assessment of these journals considers whether submissions meet expectations by engaging comprehensively with all assigned readings. Submissions that do so earn full credit, typically around 12.5 points. Those that demonstrate limited engagement or incomplete understanding receive lower marks, such as 9 points, while failure to submit results in a zero. This grading structure underscores the importance of consistent effort and active participation in the course’s reading activities.

Regular completion of these weekly journals also promotes disciplined study habits and helps students develop a habit of critical engagement, which benefits overall academic performance. Despite the flexible style, clarity, depth, and attentiveness to the readings are essential components of a successful journal entry.

References

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• Lunsford, A. A. (2017). Everyone’s an Author. Bedford/St. Martin's.
• Purdue University Online Writing Lab. (2023). Writing in the Disciplines. https://owl.purdue.edu
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• Wallace, M., & Wray, A. (2016). Critical Reading and Writing for Postgraduates. Sage Publications.
• Zwaan, R. A., Rapp, D. N., & Sadoski, M. (2019). The Psychology of Text Comprehension. In The Science of Reading: A Handbook (pp. 281-300). Wiley-Blackwell.
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• Oxford University Press. (2021). The Oxford Guide to Effective Writing and Speaking. Oxford University Press.