Journal

 The journal is to be an example of the student’s ability to write and analyze the material he or she is

reading. An attempt should be made to integrate material from the myriad of books and notes in this

course.

Journal entries should be made for each of the seven major world religions considered. Your journal

should contain complete sentences and be grammatically correct. While you are reading, write down what

goes on in your head in “stream of consciousness” style in the margins of your book, in a notebook, or in

a computer file. You will be making a record of images, associations, feelings, thoughts, judgments, etc.

You will probably find that the record contains:

 Questions that you ask yourself about the narrative and events as you read (answer these

yourself when you can).

 Memories from your own experiences provoked by the reading.

 Guesses about how the text might proceed and why.

 Reflections on striking moments and ideas in the book.

 Comparisons between how you behave and how the author describes actions and behavior.

 Thoughts and feelings about content.

 Comments on how the story is being told. For example, write any words and phrases that make

an impression on you, or motifs/themes which you notice the author using.

 Connections to other texts, ideas, and courses.

A journal entry consists of two parts:

1. The first part is a direct quotation of the part you noted from the text, copied word for word,

and enclosed in quotation marks. Be sure to include the author’s last name and the page number

of the quotation in parentheses after the quotation. MLA format requires that you use the last

name, a space, and then the number, e.g., (Ludwig 89).

2. The second part of the journal entry is a paragraph that explains why you found the passage

to be important or interesting. Sometimes students ask questions about the reading, or they

explain it, or relate to it in some way. Whatever you do, do not simply summarize the contents

of the passage. Instead, go beyond it somehow, analyze it, offer thoughts about why it seems

important to you or to others. In essence, by writing about the importance of the passage, you will

give it meaning.

It is also helpful to explain what is going on in the text at the time of the passage (the context). Some

students like to write (1) what is happening in the story, (2) what the passage says, and (3) why the

passage is important or interesting. This structure is not necessary, but sometimes it helps you organize

your responses.

The quality of your thinking and the energy with which you attempt to analyze your reading are the most

important aspects of this assignment!

Journal Scoring Rubric (Total of 20 points possible)

Journal Entries ought to evidence the following:

  Required elements in the “Journal Guidelines” (Addendum 2 to the syllabus)

 A direct quotation of the part you noted from the text, copied word for word, enclosed in

quotation marks, and properly cited.

 Interaction with guiding questions for the assigned readings that are supplied in the

module.

 Your individual response to the material and readings. This should include why you found

the passage important or interesting, your own personal critical reflections, questions you

have about the passage, strengths/weaknesses of what is being said, and/or practical

implications that follow from the what is said in the passage.

 At least one paragraph long, with proper spelling and grammar.

Must be 500 words….. must use a direct quote….. must analyse and not summarize