Assignment: Reading Responses

Detail: Complete the weekly Reading Response exam on Learning Suite where you will indicate the percentage of the reading(s) completed and write a 125-250-word response for each reading set.
Submit via: Learning Suite
Due: Wednesdays before class. See schedule for details.

Brief

Almost every week, you will be required to submit one to two reading responses (125–250 words each) to the week’s readings. These will be in response to one of the questions found under Response Questions at the end of the reading set. If there is one set of readings for a week, then you should submit one response. If there are two sets of readings in a week, you should submit two responses—addressing one question under each reading set. For example, during week 3, there is reading set 3.1 and another for 3.2. This means you respond to one question for 3.1 and another question for 3.2. Each individual response should be 125–250 words. You should make references the required reading(s) to provide evidence that you did the readings, completed them, and processed them.

In addition, you will indicate what percentage of the readings you completed to the nearest 10%. Estimations are fine, but seek to be honest with yourself.

These responses will be completed on Learning Suite as an exam.

What is a reading response?

For this course, I am asking for analytical/critical responses to the readings that address one of the response questions listed on the accompanying readings’ page. Quoting from the readings is allowed, but not if it is sacrificing much of your word count. Most of your response should be your own writing. Keep in mind, this is how we evaluate not only that you’ve completed the readings, but how you’ve processed them. If you only address one small portion of the readings, we can’t evaluate the breadth of your work.

Tips

  1. Plagiarism is not allowed. Most of the time I see this, it is due to not properly citing quotes or thoughts that are not your own. If a quote or idea is not coming directly from the reading addressed in your response, then you need
    to create a footnote with the proper attribution.
  2. See the course policy regarding AI.
  3. Always reread your writing after you are done to help spot errors. What works even better is reading it out loud.
  4. Responses will be randomly examined over the course of the semester. We will not be going over these with a fine tooth comb, but please be attentive to your writing, punctuation, and formatting. Egregious errors will be corrected and result in a reduced grade.
  5. If you have questions, always contact the instructor.

Grading

Assignment grades will be based on the following:

Conceptual Concerns (45%)

Student demonstrates evidence that they understand and inventively integrate conceptual concerns. The student’s research is evident and ample given the allotted time.

  • Excellent: Student demonstrates conversational familiarity with the material—making interesting connections between material.
  • Average: Student is able to relate material, but not do much interesting with it.
  • Below Average: Student struggles to demonstrate a grasp of the material and shows no facility in connecting ideas or new thinking.
Articulation (45%)

When selecting a thesis or POV, the student is able to succinctly and plainly build a case using good storytelling techniques.

This includes proper spelling, punctuation, sentence structure, grammar and formatting for written assignments; and annunciation, confidence and focused arguments for oral assignments.

  • Excellent: Student understands modes of writing and presentation including style guides and is able to nimbly employ these tools in their writing and speaking.
  • Average: Student makes some stylistic and formatting mistakes by ignoring provided guidance.
  • Below Average: Student repeatedly makes the same mistakes and ignores instructor input and suggestions.
Following Instructions (10%)

The student adheres to the guidelines provided for the course and the assignment. If the paper has a particular framework, the student adheres to that framework. If an assignment is to be submitted as a Word doc on Learning Suite, the student does not email the instructor a PDF.

  • Excellent: A detail-oriented student who takes instruction and fastidiously executes it within their work.
  • Average: A student who misses some details because they didn't read instructions thoroughly or take proper notes when instructions were given.
  • Below Average: Student ignores basic instructions and guidance given for assignments.
On-time Submission

You will lose 5 points for each 24-hour period that the assignment is late. For example, if your assignment is submitted 5 minutes late, that is within the first 24-hour period, so you lose 5 points. If your assignment is submitted 73 hours late, then you will lose 20 points.

Learning Outcomes Addressed

Professional Development Awareness

Demonstrate an awareness of and preparation for graduate studies, teaching opportunities, professional gallery work, or other art related activities connected to alternative applications, and interdisciplinary/transdisciplinary opportunities

Ethics

Critically examine spiritual values and ethical issues relevant to art as related to art practices and business

Portfolio Development

Develop materials for presentation to art venues.