RN Guidelines

What are Reading Notes (RNs) and how do you complete them?
Reading Notes are a set of questions and concepts you should apply to each reading. These are typed assignments (a FULL page, double-spaced). I expect you to bring these with you to class and to contribute your ideas and responses during class. As you move forward with your own ideas, these might turn into useful “seeds” for your own research. NO late RNs will be accepted; there are no exceptions. If you miss class, you will not be able to turn the RN in at the next class. You can think of the RNs as miniature essays that demonstrate the reading and thinking you have done to prepare for class. RNs should be 1-3 paragraphs long (FULL paragraphs). You can focus on particular parts of the reading, but your RNs should reference all the reading you have done for that day’s homework assignment.

• (10 points) What is the thesis you have gathered from the reading? What statement do the readings, together or separately, make about our country, culture, society, or the world at large? Do the words or images you see make an argument, or call for action?
• (2 points) What are the themes you see in this reading selection? Go beyond injustice; think about the specific circumstances of the lives being documented.
• (2 points) Compare this to something else you have read/seen/heard/learned about in other classes. How is it like that? Feel free to make a strange connection. Feel free, also, to connect the two texts. You might also consider browsing a reliable news source (like nytimes.com) for connections.
• (2 points) Think about what kind of class conversation can come out of the reading. What idea would you like to discuss? Create 1-3 thoughtful discussion questions; expect to share these with the class.
• (2 points) If you were going to expand this reading and your thinking into a larger project, what three topics would you research? Be as specific as possible.
• (2 points) Make a list of any unknown words. Look them up and write out brief definitions. If no words are new to you, write down information or an idea that is new to you.