Santa Ana College Womens Lives Multicultural Perspectives Reaction Paper OVERVIEW The goal of the course is to introduce you to new and important question
Santa Ana College Womens Lives Multicultural Perspectives Reaction Paper OVERVIEW
The goal of the course is to introduce you to new and important questions and encourage you to seriously reflect on them. Unit reaction papers will help in this direction. The purpose of the weekly reaction is threefold. First, it will ensure that you complete the reading in a timely fashion and approach the work in a thoughtful and critical way. Second, the reflection will support your participation in more stimulating discussions. Third, it will give you practice in written communication.
Describe and explain one or more of YOUR REACTIONS to the material. You will probably find this assignment most appealing if you choose a topic that either intrigued you a lot or troubled you. Be sure to give your own critical evaluation of the material — do not summarize the ideas presented in the readings.
GUIDELINES
Format: All entries must be a minimum of 350 words that actively and explicitly engage the texts and integrate textual passages/quotes and examine these textual moments specifically; it must be evident that you read the texts through your reaction papers. Include word count at the end of your response.
You must address ALL of the readings in your paper. You may choose to focus on one or two more than others, but it should be evident that you completed all of the assigned readings. For this reaction paper, you should make sure that you address the chapter introduction (101-115); “Perspectives of Native American Women on Race and Gender” (115-123); “A Question of Class” (123-130); “Optional Ethnicities” (138-145); “Once Upon a Quinceanera?” (151-157); and “We Are All Works in Progress” (166-170). (No need to mention “Unpacking the Invisible Knapsack” in your paper, since you referenced it in your discussion.)
In the paper, demonstrate that you have thought independently and creatively about the readings, class discussions, and other material related to the topic of the week. If you’re having trouble getting started, here are examples of different approaches you might take:
Challenges or Criticisms–Examples: What does the author mean by…? The author doesn’t say enough about…I disagree with the author’s point of view because…This gives an incorrect impression of…because…I was really upset by this because…This is really a disservice to women [or men] because…This really got me angry because…
Affirmations–Examples: I agree with this idea because…I liked or sympathized with this point of view because…This appeals to me because I have had similar experiences such as…I know what the author is talking about because…This reminds me of…This really tickled my sense of humor because…I was deeply moved by this since…
Questions–Examples: This really puzzles me because…I think that the typical reader would be confused by this because…This doesn’t make any sense for the following reasons…I am lost because this contradicts what we learned in class in the following ways…
Because there are often many texts, you probably will not be able to respond to all of them, but you must make two or more specific references to the days assigned readings, making connections when possible.
Please put the page number you are referencing in parentheses at the end of the sentence.
Observe the conventions of correct writing (i.e. complete sentences, spellchecking and proofreading, etc.), since these details reflect an author’s commitment to and respect for good scholarship. Preparation details can affect your grade.
Because you have a very limited amount of space you should use quotes sparingly and avoid long quotes altogether. If you do use a quote, please cite the page number in parentheses.
Please do not email papers to me. I do not accept late papers except in extremely rare and exceptional circumstances. (See syllabus for policy on late work.)
Reaction Papers are typically worth 20 points each, but I will only closely evaluate and provide feedback on random modules. You will not know which ones I will evaluate, so it is imperative that you complete all modules effectively, following required guidelines. I will follow discussions in your small groups each week and those I do not closely evaluate will receive a full 20 or zero points–completed or did not complete.
GRADING RUBRIC
Analysis/Critical Thinking: (5 points)
Does the paper demonstrate that you have thought independently and creatively about the assigned reading.
Does the paper demonstrate that you can critically analyze the situation and utilize text concepts as a frame of reference?
Scope: (5 points)
Does the paper make references to all of the assigned essays. Does the paper include sufficient concepts from the text to demonstrate that you read and reflected on the material?
Conceptual Understanding: (5 points)
Does the paper demonstrate that you truly understand the text concept(s), or that you are attempting to understand (i.e. with questions)?
Writing: (3 points)
Does the paper flow well? Is it readable? Is the point easy to understand? Did you use proper spelling, grammar, punctuation, and mechanics?
Format: (2 points)
Is your paper properly formatted?
