Description

Critical Reflections

Task: This semester students will submit to the course homepage a two page double-spaced, Times New Roman font, critical reflection on any of the readings assigned up to that point in term. In succinct paragraphs, you will identify the reading(s) under discussion, distinguish a major claim/thesis and the essential ideas, and generate questions and/or concerns regarding the reading(s). Secondary research is not necessary. A Works Cited is not necessary for this assignment.

Purpose: The purpose of a critical reflection is to demonstrate your knowledge, comprehension, and synthesis of the readings, preparing you for classroom discussion. These reflections will help you to keep up with your readings and will prove invaluable to exam study.

Relevant Questions:

·         Does the author appear reasonable?

·         Does he or she use reason effectively, establishing a chain of logic throughout?

·         Does the author succeed in making the issue relevant to the reader?

·         Does he or she appeal to the reader’s concerns and values? How does he or she do (or not do) this? ·

·         Is the tone inviting, openly challenging, or neutral?

·         Is the order of points appropriate?

·         Are all points well supported?

·         What, specifically, would strengthen the writer’s argument?

·         Does the essay appear free of bias?

·         Is the voice as objective as possible given the argumentative stance?

·         If the author openly declares an opinion, is it a good strategy?

·         Does the author acknowledge the other side?

·         How does he or she respond to the opposing viewpoint (e.g., fairly, effectively)?

·         Does the author make emotional appeals?

·         Are any extreme or manipulative?

These questions are from Moran & Henderson’s The Empowered Writer page 56. 

The possible readings include:

·          Wong's "Eating the Hyphen"

·         McKibben's "The Only Way to Have a Cow"

Reading Reflection

Critical reflection requires thoughtful and persistent inquiry.  Although basic questions like “what is the thesis?” and “what is the evidence?” are important to demonstrate your understanding, you need to interrogate your own assumptions and knowledge to deepen your analysis and focus your assessment of the text.

Assess the text(s):

1. What is the main point? How is it developed? Identify the purpose, impact and/or theoretical framework of the text.
2. What ideas stood out to me? Why? Were they new or in opposition to existing scholarship?

Develop your ideas:

1. What do I know about this topic? Where does my existing knowledge come from? What are the observations or experiences that shape my understanding?
2. Do I agree or disagree with this argument?  Why?

Make connections:

1. How does this text reinforce my existing ideas or assumptions? How does this text challenge my existing ideas or assumptions?
2. How does this text help me to better understand this topic or explore this field of study/discipline?