The
Response Paper
Each student
will write two response papers. A sign-up list will be provided.
What is a Response Paper?
A response paper is, as the name indicates, primarily a
written reflection on an assigned reading. It is personal in nature. We write response
papers to clarify our own reactions to a text, to set out those thoughts and feelings for
others to understand, and to hopefully help create a context for further discussion. You
should attempt to engage the issues and themes of post-colonialism, magical realism, etc.
within the work.
To help accomplish this, students will read
their paper aloud to the class. The class will be encouraged to make connections to
it during our discussions. The paper should be apprx. two to three pages double-spaced.
These will be evaluated on 1) a demonstrated awareness of the
reading's content, 2) on an ability to be both appreciative yet critical in responding to
the work, and 3) on a complex, multi-sided presentation of your response that has specific
development. Complexity is measured by your willingness to explore contradictions, to show
how ideas connect, or to find a surprising insight that others might overlook. Asking
questions of your audience is another way to create discussion. "Specific
development" means including concrete examples that support your point and that are
clearly explained. This includes mentioning the plot, characters, language, and/or social
context of a work.
What a Response Paper IS NOT.
A simple summary of the work
A rehash of biographical information or the editor's opinions
A disorderly pastiche of quotes
A work that refuses to express an opinion or viewpoint
A comprehensive exposition of an alternate work
An obvious plagiarism of other secondary sources
A critical, research paper
Most students fall into one of the above approaches when they feel uncomfortable with
the work or are unsure how to begin. Remember that a response need not be perfect. You are
better off openly admitting to some confusion on your part (we all experience it) rather
than drawing off other interpretations. Often, one student's perplexity helps create a
problem-solving atmosphere among the class. We all work together to assist each other's
understanding. Academic humility has its place.
Click here to learn about standards
of evaluation. |