Engl

Engl. 102: Dialogical Reading Log

Dialogical Reading Logs:

For each assigned reading from the text, you will prepare a formal, typed set of discussion questions. The logs will be typed and will use correct MLA format. Each class period, you will exchange your log with your log partner or within a small group of other students so that you can offer each other constructive reactions to your questions.

HEADING: The heading for each log should use the correct MLA documentation form for an essay in an anthology when cited on a works cited page. Thus, your heading should look like a works cited page containing the bibliographic information for the essay or essays assigned for that log. Arrange the entries alphabetically according to the authors' last names, as on a works cited page. See Diana Hacker's A Writer's Reference for correct MLA form. Put your name and log number on the back of each log and fold lengthwise. Logs will be collected and recorded on due date.

DISCUSSION QUESTIONS:

For each assigned reading, you will design two discussion questions that help you get at the central ideas of the essay. Your questions should help you examine what you believe to be the most important ideas of the piece, its implicit assumptions, and its "agenda" or bias. Try to ask questions that get at the thesis idea of the essay, its purpose and its significance; avoid simplistic questions that can be answered with a "yes" or a "no" or with a simple objective fact. I'm looking for questions that provide a starting point for analyzing the arguments each essay makes, that focus upon key concepts, that notice contradictions or inconsistencies in the argument, and that try to get at the text's implicit values or presuppositions. The questions should be carefully thought-out and clearly stated. If you wish, some of your questions may draw parallels or contrasts among the other readings for the course.

NEW VOCABULARY AND DEFINITIONS:

For each assigned reading, you will keep a list of unfamiliar vocabulary words as you read. When you type your log, you will provide a dictionary definition for each new word.

CRITERIA FOR ASSESSMENT OF LOGS:

Each log will be graded according to how successfully it: 1) asks substantive questions that open up discussion of key issues raised by the text; 2) uses correct MLA form; 3) uses correct sentence structure, grammar, spelling and punctuation; 4) notes new vocabulary words and defines them. Each log will receive a grade of A, B, C, D, or F.

SAMPLE LOG HEADING WHEN TWO ESSAYS ARE ASSIGNED:

Charles, Scott. "Coke Chillin' in the Hood." Garnes, et al., 352-356.

Zinn, Laura. "Move Over, Boomers: The Busters Are Here--and They're Angry. Garnes, et al, 342-351.

Garnes, Sara et al. Writing Lives: Exploring Literacy and Community. New York: St. Martin's, 1996.

SAMPLE LOG HEADING WHEN ONE ESSAY IS ASSIGNED:

Charles, Scott. "Coke Chillin' in the Hood. Writing Lives: Exploring Literacy and Community. Ed. Sara Garnes, et al. New York: St. Martin's, 1996. 352-356.