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 or Google Docs (SAVING it in Google drive 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.
