Over the course of the semester, you are required to
submit a
series of reader responses pertaining
to the assigned cultural readings in English about France. The responses (written in English) are short literature
reviews in which you are expected to analyze the text in the context of other
class materials. You will turn in these assignments on the class Reader Response Blog, at no later
than 9:15 am on the dates indicated on the syllabus schedule.
The responses will be 250-300 words in length. Grammatical accuracy
is expected; therefore, carefully proofread your copy before submitting it. It
is highly suggested that you first type your response in Microsoft Word (SAVING
it in Google docs or another safe storage location) before copying and
pasting your work into the blog. You must submit the assignment through the blog;
no emailed or hard-copy versions will be accepted. The assignments are worth 5% of your overall course grade.
In order to receive full credit, your responses must contain the following five parts:
- Briefly outline the main points in the reading. This introduction to
your response should be no longer than a sentence or two.
- Discuss and critique the author’s thesis. Is the argument valid? Is
there enough supporting evidence for the claims?
- Compare and contrast the text with what you have learned in class or
any previous knowledge that you have about France. How is the vision of France
in this text similar or different?
- What is your reaction to the reading? What have you learned? What surprises
you? What would you like to learn more about? Would you recommend this
passage to others?
_________________
- Critical
Engagement and Community Discussion: read and respond to posts from at least
2 classmates.
If you are short on inspiration (or simply stuck!), the
discussion questions will help guide your critical reflections.
