Assignments

Reading Cards: Two Options, for (almost) every class:

For every class (with some exceptions) bring an index card with your notes in response to the below:

Option A

--A note about something that surprised you as you read, something unique about the text or reading.

--A quote. The quote should be about something centrally important in the text and to the author. Note page numbers (use quotation marks and parenthetical citation). When several chapters are assigned, choose two quotes. Briefly say why it's meaningful, and give a question for the class about it-your question might refer to an issue in the text that you also have a question about, something you think is interesting or unusual about the reading, a specific way something in the text refers to a contemporary personal, local, or world issue. (This should not be a question of fact-feel free to look things up in reliable sources!). Make sure to demonstrate thorough reading in your choices.

OR

Option B Another reading card option: Choose an image, and post to Reading Cards Images at the Discussion Board. Still turn in a reading card, so I don't miss the image, telling me, very briefly, how the image connects to the text for you, and ask a question. Use an image you take from daily life on your phone, or an image you take from a text you're reading or even a screenshot. You may also use images from reputable websites or other favorite sites. Here are some good databases: http://guides.temple.edu/images Please don't use google image search, unless it's a news search. This is mainly because the images found that way are very generic and are often unattributable/unciteable. Post the image to the Discussion Board. Cite source.

Reading Cards are an important element of Participation and must be prepared before class. Truly exceptional cards will receive a √+. If you receive a √- on any card, please be mindful to be more thorough in your preparation.

Sometimes, I will ask you to do something slightly different to prepare. The cards are evaluated on the basis of your reading and description of the reading--that is, on whether the cards demonstrate thoughtful, deliberative, active reading. The Reading Cards are also one of the places I can best keep up with what interests you and what you're thinking about the texts. As such, I think they're very important! Don't lose them after they're returned-they're a great repository for other projects, Discussion Board posts, etc. Bring them to conferences.

Project: Discussion Board and Discussion Board Folio

You'll post at the Discussion Board most weeks. You might think of it as your (shared) journal of your readings. The DB posts are based upon your reading, and are used to evaluate your ability to closely analyze the reading and your thoughtful ness about the reading, and to thoroughly share your ideas in writing. The Discussion Board is the place to both practice and demonstrate these skills. Due dates vary-check each week's schedule carefully. Posts may not be made up at a later date. Instructions follow:

Each Discussion Board post should contain:

--An overview of the reading, as if you were trying to explain to a classmate, quite generally, what the text is about and what it is like to read. This means that you cover the main ideas-this is not a summary of events. Think abstractly about the text and share the main ideas, themes, issues.

--Explication of lines: Choose a few lines that you feel are related to a main idea that interests you from the above to explicate fully. These lines (or images) should express an aspect of an idea that is both highly significant to the author and highly meaningful to you. Be as accurate as you can be in describing the author's position., and add your own thoughts on the issue as well. You do not need to agree with an author. Use the "Text Analysis Tipsheet" (at Blackboard) to help you consider various aspects and details of the passage . Format and cite properly. You might begin to notice or pick a theme to follow for the semester- Love? Power? Knowng? Violence and Peace? Or anything you' think you'd like to think about in relation to several texts.

--Discuss a way that what you've discussed connects to a contemporary issue-you can check the news if you can't think of something right away. Be sure to cite if you include an outside source. Don't overgeneralize-truly show that you notice how the issue you've discussed above connects to our times and show that you know about the event in context. You may also connect to your own experience and life if you wish.

--Choose one line from the Daodejing . Include it, and discuss how It may compare or contrast with the idea in this week's text. Use quotation marks, Note the Chapter number. If you are able to read it in Chinese, you may include that as well and give your own translation. If you find translations in other languages you read, you may include those as well. I've given suggestions for each week but feel very free to browse and make your own choice.

I will be looking for the following in your posts:

1. Thoroughness of noticing of main ideas, themes, issues: demonstration of thoughtful reading
2. Precision of noticing and thoughtfulness in the explication of chosen lines
3. Precision of connection and distinction vis à vis contemporary issue
4. Overall effort and clarity.