March 3, 2010 Archives

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The different steps in this assignment are designed to help you move from a very general first impression of as subject, to an exploration/discovery phase, to the choice of materials you feel are suitable for further study. This preparatory work will help you make an informed decision about what selections to propose for the class's Unit 3 reading list.

The readings can be from any chapter in the book, including units we've already read, so long as the reading you propose is one we haven't looked at yet.

For the written part of the pre-reading assignment:

1. Choose four selections (other than the "Visual Portfolio").
   For each selection:
1. Write a brief response to the selection, in which you engage directly with the reading.
2. Include a brief quotation from your selection, as part of an original sentence (with the proper MLA in-text citation) that makes a point about the reading. (I'm not asking for a summary of the author's argument, or your personal opinion on the subject the author is writing about.)
   
2. Of the four you chose above, select two that you recommend the class read. Write a single paragraph (about 200 words), explaining why the class should vote for your selections. Demonstrate your ability to integrate brief quotations.

Evaluation Checklist

• Does Part 1 name and respond to four selections from Rereading America?
• Does each response include a brief quotation from the reading?
• Is each quotation part of an original sentence that helps you to make an original point?
• I am not asking for a summary of the reading.
• I am not asking for an introduction sentence, a sentence-long quotation, and then another sentence that explains what the sentence means.
• Is part 2 a 200-word paragraph?
• Does the paragraph have a clear thesis, blueprint, and conclusion?
• Does the paragraph explain why your top choice is superior to your second choice?