Critical Reading and Discussion
From Silvers
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Check your class syllabus to see if you are assigned Class Participation or Critical Reading and Discussion
Critical Reading and Discussion
Critical Reading and Discussion is a form of class participation designed to help you learn to read and discuss sources in class with precision. Critical reading means that you read to identify the point of the argument by identifying the structure of the argument first. Oddly, you do not need to understand the point right away. You will learn how to identify what is most important for the author of each text by how the author presents his or her point. You will learn how to identify the supporting arguments and proofs. By identifying how the author structures the argument, you will also be able to identify how the author positions him or herself in intellectual history. You will note who the author feels he or she must defend or critique or simply acknowledge in order to make his or her point. Then, whoops, by first identifying these structural elements, you will discover that you have understood the text better than you would have before.
This is how it works
Check your class syllabus to see what is required of you.
Outlines
- I may require you to create spare outlines of the reading for class.
- Students will produce an outline of each reading due at the beginning of each class.
- Typewritten. No more than two pages.
- Outlines will include:
- a summary statement of the thesis of the reading
- a summary statement of each of major arguments employed to prove the thesis
- a summary statement of the major supporting points for each of these arguments
- primary and secondary sources referenced as proof-texts for these supporting points
- Students will hold onto the outline during class. Students will use the outline as a source for the class discussion. Students are expected to correct or clarify their typed outlines in ink as we discuss the reading.
- I will check that everyone made an outline, and randomly collect several outlines for close reading at the end of each class.
Major Points List
- I may require you to prepare a major points list for every day instead of doing an outline
- Have a list ready--every single class--of what you think are the major points to be discussed from the reading. Be ready to volunteer those points and refine them as we discuss what we will cover that day each start of class.
No Exit
- All the reading will be done on time.
- All your questions and comments will arise directly from the texts. Our discussions will stay close to the text in every class.
- I will ask you questions whether or not you volunteer to speak. I will ask follow up questions when you do speak.
- There is no escape other than withdrawing from the class.
Please see Students with Disabilities if a disability will interfere with any part of the course.
