Example

The readings in Central European literature represent a variety of fascinating styles of literature: many can be read in several different ways, and some are most readily taken as dreams or even nightmares. Many call for the integration of philosophical, cultural and historical material into the reading process. As a result, you will find yourself called upon to read in a variety of different ways, sometimes at the same time. This process will be facilitated if you track your reading process through the help of a notebook. Accordingly, the class calls for you to keep a reader's notebook or log. Two notebook entries (also called logs or responses) are due three hours before each class meeting (3 PM), and should be sent to me by email (thury@drexel.edu). The notebook will serve as the basis of the Reading Process Paper you will write at the end of the term.

Each notebook entry is to consist of at least 400 words. Two logs are due before each class session.

Notebook entries should be informal writings, not complete essays. In looking at your notebook entries, we will feel no interest in your grammar or spelling. In evaluating your entries, we will be considering your thinking about the stories and the themes discussed in class. Entries which are too general or do not show thought and development of ideas will be considered less successful than those that show your ongoing, evolving understanding of what you are reading and how you react to it.

A log is a narrative of your reading process. The components of a log are alternating narratives and responses. These are explained below. Traditionally, a two-column format is used for such a log. Since your notebook will be kept on the computer, you will need to use headings, as follows:

NARRATIVE:

(your narrative)

RESPONSE:

(your response)

NARRATIVE:

(your narrative)

etc.

A log has two components that alternate:

1. A narrative that describes a part of a story you are reacting to (briefly summarized). List the page or pages of the book you are referring to.
2. A response that explains your reaction to what you found. This section should discuss the connections you are making between points, and how your idea/conception of your reading process is growing or changing as you do your research. Your response should also discuss how your reading process is affected by your growing understanding (if any!) of the issues found in the background material on the authors'styles and on the culture and history of Eastern Europe, etc.