Guidelines for Reading Responses

The reading responses should be approximately 500-750 words, followed by two or three thought provoking questions for potential discussion in class, and two or three “key quotes” from the reading.

Students might consider dividing these reading responses into two paragraphs. The first paragraph should consist of a straightforward and concise restatement of the subject matter, methodology used, and the main thesis or argument of the reading. This first paragraph might read like a paper abstract, written in the student’s own words.

The second paragraph should engage the reading critically. A critical reading might include (but is not limited to) any one or more of the following: (1) evaluating the degree to which the author has or has not convincingly supported his or her thesis; (2) identifying new academic and scholarly directions opened up by the reading; (3) challenging or supporting the author’s methodology; (4) noting exciting and interesting points raised by the reading; (5) highlighting connections between the reading and other course readings or themes. Students may also comment on the degree to which the style of the reading contributes to or detracts from the piece, but should not make such comments the focus of the response. These responses should be critical engagements with the reading and are not about “liking” or “not liking” the reading. 

At the end of the response, students should formulate two or three questions that might prompt discussion in class, or otherwise encourage others to reflect critically on the readings.

Finally, students are encouraged to write down any particularly memorable quotes from the reading and include page numbers. Quotes may be memorable because they clearly state a complex thesis, because they inspire, because they infuriate, because they are confusing, or because they simply warrant discussion and further attention.