The journals are designed to be fairly informal and the topics are entirely up t

The journals are designed to be fairly informal and the topics are entirely up to you; however, I have found that journals are much more successful when students focus on one concrete issue or idea rather than ramble from one sparsely developed observation to the next. I recommend focusing your journal using one of the topics listed below if you are struggling to come up with a focus on your own. The goal here is to engage critically with the readings—develop your interpretation, what you think and WHY you think it. In other words, do not plot summarize. Your journal should reveal that you have taken the time to read and to reflect on the material.
Suggested ways to focus your journal:
Character analysis – one character/significance
Significance of Theme
Significance of Setting
Significance of Plot
Role of Irony
Significance Imagery
Significance of social issue addressed
Choose your own topic
Though this is informal writing, it should not be sloppy in either the thinking or presentation.
Requirements:
Use the primary text and your own analysis. You may also use supporting materials from the Lesson if you choose.
Do not repeat your discussion posts.
*NO SOURCES FROM OUTSIDE OF THE COURSE MAY BE USED* If outside sources are used a 0 will be assigned for the journal. If outside sources are used in the form of plagiarism, automatic failure of the course will result.
Quotes from the narrative to illustrate and support your analysis
MLA in-text citations for all quoted and paraphrased material (see Purdue OWL in Course Resources for a refresher)
A Works Cited page is not needed/required
Proofread your work carefully
Late journal submissions are not accepted

*Journals must be submitted as a Word document. Submission in any other file format will not be accepted and no credit will be earned.