READING GROUP POSTS:

At the beginning of the semester, you will be assigned to a reading group. Throughout the semester you will be required to meet with your group and discuss the readings during class time. Each group member is graded individually based upon the quality of their written contribution (200-300 words excluding quoted text) in preparation for the group meeting. Reading group materials must be posted onto Canvas PRIOR to the start of class. 

For every meeting each person will have a specific role. The roles and responsibilities are as follows:

(1) Discussion Leader. The discussion leader is responsible for facilitating the meeting. Their written contribution is 3 to 5 open-ended discussion questions to foster thoughtful consideration of the assigned reading selection. They are also responsible for “reporting back” to the class interesting points of the discussion that took place within their group.

(2) Reporter. The reporter is responsible for providing, in their own words, a summary of the entire assigned reading selection. Summary must include key plot points and should not be overburdened with extraneous details. Think big picture. What moments are the most significant, poignant, troubling? Must be written in complete sentences and in paragraph form.

(3) Reader. The reader is responsible for locating 2-4 important quotes from the assigned reading selection and providing an explanation as to why they're significant, poignant, troubling, etc. Quotes can be anywhere from 4 words to 4 sentences long. Use proper MLA citation style to format quotes and citations.

(4) Cultural Critic. The cultural critic is responsible for either one of two things. The critic can either tie a facet of the reading selection to a current event/cultural phenomenon and use said event/phenomenon as a means to understand or complicate what’s happening in the reading OR the critic can look up background information on something mentioned in the reading selection and use the information to help expand comprehension of the text.

(5) Character Analyst. The character analyst is responsible for providing an in-depth analysis of 1-2 characters within the reading selection. Analysis should pay close attention to character development, motives, characterization of traits, etc. Note: do not diagnose the character!

Analysis should be grounded in the text.

I encourage everyone in the group to perform each role at least once. If you do not attend class the day of the reading group meeting you will not receive points, even if you completed the corresponding discussion post.