WRITING A JOURNAL:

For every set of readings assigned in Literary Masterpieces, you will be asked to write a one-page journal entry. The journal will be collected toward the end of the semester. The instructors may assign a specific title for the journal entry or he/she may let you write on an aspect of the text which interests you. In either case, you need to ensure:

(i) that your journal entry is titled, numbered (Entry 1,2 etc.) and dated;

(ii) that your entry reflects a thorough reading of the given texts. You can do this by making your entry as detailed and specific as possible: you should include brief quotations from several parts of the text and you can cite specific elements of the text;

(iii) that your entry is focused on the requirements of the assignment. Since these assignments address the most important aspects of each text, your entry will necessarily serve as a useful summary or exposition;

(iv) that you attempt to write your entry before you come to class. If you simply write an entry based on the lecture, your entry will count for nothing;

(v) that you write at least one page for each entry. It will help you if you write more; writing less will decrease your grade. If possible, you should type every entry and ensure that the presentation of the entire journal is neat.

The point of the journal is to help you think about the central issues raised by the texts and to articulate your ideas and responses. You will find that, if you read each text carefully and promptly produce a carefully written journal entry on it, this will help you considerably in preparing for both the formal papers you will be required to submit and the examinations. Be sure that you don't allow any other person to borrow or to copy from your journal.