Reading Response Paper

PRLS 2005 Reading Response Paper

This reading response paper should be no more than 2 pages and follow the rubric. 

In this reading response you will:

  1. identify the key ideas of a reading (one to two paragraphs).
  2. define key terms (at least two).
  3. analyze the text using at least one lens of analysis as described in the analysis guide below for reading response papers (one paragraph).
  4. interpret your learning by describing at least two outside resources (personal experience/anecdote, article, poem, music video, artwork, etc.) that connect to the reading (one paragraph describing both sources). This means you are putting this paper in conversation with other texts. How do these texts reveal or name what you see in your life? What questions do these texts raise for you?
ProficientCompetentNovice
Comprehension Demonstrates a clear understanding of the key ideas of the text. Ideas from throughout the text are identified and supported with specific references. (4 points)Demonstrates a limited understanding of the key ideas of the text. These ideas come from a few parts of the text but do not represent the text as a whole. (2 point)References are made to one part of the text but no connections are made across the text (1 point)
TermsDemonstrates a clear understanding of at least two terms. Definitions are provided (3 points)Demonstrates a clear understanding of one term. A definition is given (2 points). Terms are mentioned but no definitions are given (1 point).
AnalysisIncludes a critical analysis of the text using at least one lens of analysis or concepts from the readings, texts or lectures in the course. (4 points)Includes questions and an acknowledgment of themes across the text but no critical analysis lens or concepts are identified or developed. (3 points)Includes questions and an acknowledgment of themes across the text but no critical analysis lens or concepts are identified or developed. (2 points)
InterpretationIncludes an explanation of at least two examples of outside resources: a personal experience, video clip, article, art work, etc. that connect to the themes from the reading. (4 points)One outside source is given and explained in connection to the reading. (2 point)An outside source is given but not explained or connected with the reading. (1 point)

Analysis Guide

  1. Class 
    1. How are different groups presented in the texts related to their socio-economic class?
    2. How are views about class structures developed in the text?
    3. Who is in power? Why? How is this power maintained? How does this impact others?
  1. Race 
    1. How does the text describe the racial categories?
    2. What are the roots of the construction of racial categories?
    3. How are different racial categories impacted by decisions, policies, structures, etc.?
    4. What is the difference between stereotypes → prejudice → bigotry → discrimination → racism?
    5. Who is in power? Why? How does this impact others?
  1. Gender and Sexuality
    1. What are the gendered and sexuality expectations explored in these texts?
    2. How do gender and sexuality expectations/roles impact different groups?
    3. How are gender stereotypes promoted across different sectors in society?
    4. How are people treated when they do not subscribe to gender binaries? 
    5. Who is in power? Why? How is this power maintained? How does this impact others?
  1. Language
    1. What language practices are discussed in the text?
    2. What language practices are valued? 
    3. How are language hierarchies created and reinforced?
    4. How are ideas about race and language connected?
  1. Intersectionality 
    1. What are the dynamics of co-existing identities?
    2. How are overlapping identities impacted by structural injustice?
    3. Who is in power? Why? How is this power maintained? How does this impact others?
    4. Resource:Kimberlé Crenshaw TED Talk on Intersectionality https://www.ted.com/talks/kimberle_crenshaw_the_urgency_of_intersectionality/transcript