Students will write a series of very short (1 page, @ 250 words) responses to the assigned readings. These responses become the foundation for class discussion. These pieces are NOT finished, polished pieces; rather, they are focused freewrites or "showcase" essays-no summary, no nice introduction, no grand conclusion. Simply plunge in and get out. The point is to display your engagement with the readings. So please, don't aim for correctness and beautiful syntax-such things just won't count in the long run. What does count is quality--i.e., the syntax might be shaky, but the level of critical thinking is high. See the requirements (below) for the specific course for the number of responses.

I prefer typed or word-processed responses, but you may write or print so long as you write in ink, on one side of the paper, and skip lines. Keep all responses together, in chronological order. In classes that meet three times a week, I will collect responses for the week on the first day of class that week--in other words, before we begin discussing the assigned readings for the week. So plan ahead: I won't accept late responses. I'll collect and grade at midterm, and then collect the rest on the last day of class. Be prepared to share your responses at the beginning of class.