As indicated on your syllabus, I periodically assign response papers or in-class writing assignments that will make up 10% of your final grade.  In many cases, I will suggest response questions, but I will often ask you to respond to a topic of your own choosing.

I do not expect tightly organized, strenuously documented five-paragraph essays.  However, I do expect response papers to be focused and to develop one particular point or thesis.  Remember your reader: do make some attempt to support your observations, either by quoting and analyzing a specific passage, or by showing how a particular theme or issue plays out in the reading.  Thoughtful attention to response papers will enhance our class discussion as well as help you to generate ideas for your essays.

Each response paper will be given one of four grades: check plus; check; check minus; zero

Check plus (excellent): indicates writer has read carefully and actively; sheds light on the reading by pointing out and examining a specific issue; discusses merits/demerits of a text in a way that moves beyond personal taste.

Check (good): indicates writer has read closely and with understanding; claims are clearly expressed buy may not be backed up with specific references to the text; may contain more summary than is necessary.

Check minus (poor): shows that writer has not read carefully; summarizes a reading but offers no further reaction; mostly quotation with minimal or no analysis; no attempt to develop assertions.

Zero: reveals a serious lack of effort; illegible; not turned in on time.
 

The overall homework grade is determined by ratio.  For example, a student who receives all check pluses or check pluses with only several checks will receive an A; mostly checks with some check pluses–B+; all checks–B; checks with some check minuses–C; mostly check minuses–D; mostly check minuses and zeroes–F.