There are many methods for taking notes on your readings. If you have a system that works well for you, that’s great. If not, I’d recommend some version of Walter Pauk’s Cornell note taking system. Draw a vertical line dividing your page into 1/3 on the left and 2/3 on the right. On the right side, jot down the main points and key terms as you read (keep track of page numbers as well). Look up and write down definitions of words you don’t know. After completing the reading, look over your notes and distill the main points in key phrases on the left side of the page. This should help you review the reading before class and be prepared for the quiz and our discussion. To receive credit, you should have at least a page of notes for each day’s reading.
After completing the reading and your notes, draft a 250-word response to that week’s Writing Prompt. During some classes, you’ll have an opportunity to share what you wrote with a few classmates. Further each of the in-class essays will ask you to respond to one of these prompts, so if you craft good essays in your Reading Notebooks, you will be well prepared for these writing assessments.
Each of the three class days when you are writing an in-class essay, bring your notebook to class and leave it on my desk as you come in. I will look through your notes as you write your essay, and you may pick your notebook back up when you hand in your essay. If you have complete notes on all the readings and have drafted a complete response to each of the Writing Prompts, you’ll receive full credit.