Tell me more about the assignments!
5 Reader Response Journals:
We decided to use reader response journals because it is
important in the study of International Literature for the students
to be aware of their personal reactions that may be tied to
cultural biases and assupmtions. At the same time the students
have a focus and are able to practice their critical
thinking skills.
2 Essays;
1000-1200 words:
We decided to use essays as a mode of evaluation for a few reasons. First of all,
We thought that it was important to use more than one way to evaluate
students' writing. The journalling will probably be new to most students, and some will
hopefully enjoy it, but we do not want to assume that every student
will take to it. In addition, we want to prepare students who may be going onto
other English classes where they will be expected to do close readings
and write analytical essays.
6 Research Assignments:
We thought this was the best way to ensure that students will have
something to contribute to class discussion. They are short and simple
enough that they will not be too time consuming, but since they are worth
marks the students will have incentive to complete them. This is also the way
that we chose to deal with the students' limited knowledge of cultural
events and histories. It is impossible to expect them to be experts about the
history and cultures that we address, but this way they can gain some
specialized knowledge about a few areas and topics.
No Exams:
We do not think that exams are an effective way of testing material.
We decided that evaluating the students' work as they move through the course
(ie. watch how their writing and ideas develop) is a more accurate guage of
how much they have learned.
Research Resources--Internet/Library:
We are going to do a few computer labs and a library orientation with the class. As we have learned
from this class, there is a lot of information on the internet on the authors, the theory, the material etc.
related to International and Postcolonial Literature. It would be helpful for students to have
access to this information. Knowing how to research on the web would also help them do
further research for this and other classes. There are also a lot of historical texts, theoretical
texts, and literary texts available in the library. Besides, you never know
what is going to happen with the Y2K!!
