Length and form: These journals are not required to be in essay format, but should conform to standard English grammar.
Note: While I would like these assignments to be somewhat personal, students should realize that these entries may be considered for sharing with the class.
Evaluation: Student grades will be based on a collection of criteria.
1. Relevance: Students are expected to address the assignment directly. While there are many opportunities for free thinking and open response within the curriculum, this assignment is meant to serve a clear focus.
2. Thoroughness: Responses, regardless of whether the task for the day is a written journal or some other means of expression, should evidence care and thought. In written responses, simple factual recording of events (unless that is the task of the assignment) will not receive as high an evaluation as one which clearly displays engagement on the part of the student. Although a minimum requirement of one written page is specified in the assignments, the word “minimum” will be stressed. I anticipate closer to two (or more) pages. Limiting responses to one page only will carry a penalty.
3. Form and Style: Journals are expected to follow standard conventions regarding sentence construction and variety, as well as effective vocabulary choices, etc. Students are held accountable for exercising standard English conventions of grammar, spelling, and usage where appropriate to the genre, implied audience, purpose, and degree of formality.
There should be no use of the internet or other sources for the completion of any of the journal assignments. Use of internet or other sources will result in automatic “F” for the assignment.
Respond to two to three readings for the week; this week includes Trickster Tales, Phillis Wheatley, Countee Cullen, Sonia Sanchez, and Edgar Allan Poe, among others. Your responses may be responding to what you may have read or your life experiences that relate to the literature.
Your postings should be 1-2 paragraphs for each reading.
Winnegbago (Native American Trickster Tale)
An African American trickster tale
Lorna Dee Cervantes Carlos (Be American)
Phillis Wheatly America & Being American
