INSTRUCTIONS Need to do initial post in 500 words MLA style and response post in 150 words each total 800 words Assignment file Journal Post This class will act similarly to a book club model in that we will read selections each week and then get together to talk about them. These journals are, essentially, the discussions themselves. They should be thoughtful and detailed, of course, but also informal and conversational. Do not think of them as essays but instead as conversations about ideas. Pretend like we are all sitting in a living room together, discussing the readings over coffee and dessert. First and foremost, we want you to read the literature and think about it in a way that is meaningful. Then tell us your thoughts and respond to those of others. See the grading rubric for more details. Journal Prompts (choose one) Option 1: RESPOND Choose one poem from this week's list. Have a conversation with the text--react as you read. Record your first impressions. Write about lines, words, or stanzas that struck you. Most importantly, ask questions of the text. What didn't you understand? What would you like to talk about with your classmates? Make sure to use cited passages from the poem and comment on them. Option 2: CREATE Apply something in the text to a concern facing the world today or to one that you face or have faced in your own personal life. Make sure to keep the poem at the center of your response, citing and commenting on appropriate passages as you go. 500 word min . When quoting from the poetry in your journals, make sure to cite properly in either MLA or APA style. Use the [Bloom's Literature source in the Library Resources Guide] for citation guidance, along with the Library's style guides. Peer Responses Write responses to TWO classmates (150 words each), discussing poems you DIDN'T write about in your Weekly Journal entry. You must either expand on or challenge the idea of the original post. A simple “Good work” or “I agree!” will not suffice. See the grading rubric for more details. 150 word min each Weekly Journal Participation 50% of total grade Exemplary (A) Journal entry addresses all discussion questions and directions in-depth. Entry demonstrates insightful and careful reading skills, with a combination of personal reaction and some analysis of characters, themes and literary devices (as directed by the prompt). Specific references to the text are included, with quotations and page numbers. Entry meets required word count. FOR “CREATE” JOURNAL PROMPTS Journal shows evidence of careful reading and understanding of original work, along with attention to detail. Follows prompt insightfully with new and creative ideas, enhancing our understanding of the original work. Readings Maya Angelou, “The Caged Bird" Raymond Carver, “Happiness" Gwendolyn Brooks, "We Real Cool" Charles Burkowski, “poetry readings” e. e. cummings, “next to of course go america i" Emily Dickinson, [Because I could not stop for death] Langston Hughes, "Ballad of the Landlord" Simon J. Ortiz, “My Father's Song" Matt Rasmussen, “Reverse Suicide” “Figurative Language" definition from The Wiley Guide to Writing Essays about Literature "Symbol" definition from The Wiley Guide to Writing Essays about Literature You can choose any option from the given options Student note Please remember don't think of them as essays but instead as conversations about ideas. informal and conversational.