Some Notes On Reading Questions

Whether or not you will be submitting answers for a set of RQs, you should print them out and keep them near you while reading, jotting down notes and questions as you read. These questions will help focus your reading, and give you some things to think about before class. Just because you do not submit responses to a set of RQs does not mean you will not be called on to speak in class. Looking over the RQs, before, during, and after reading, as well as before class, will help you prepare for class discussion.

How many of these things do I have to do? There will be approximately 16-20 RQs. You do not have to do all of them. You must do at least 6 and no more than 8 (your best 6 will count toward your grade). Of the 6 to 8 you do, you must do at least one for each of the units numbered (1)-(6) in the outline on the syllabus.—any other RQs you do are up to you. You may not do more than 8.

The Format: RQ responses are to be NO MORE than 1 single-spaced, typewritten page—no title page, no plastic cover, no title, just the name of the work read at upper left, your name at upper right. You must bring 2 COPIES of this to class, one to hand in, one to keep. Answer all of the ASSIGNED QUESTIONS (the numbered ones) You may answer some or all of the unnumbered questions if you like, but you must not exceed one page. Moreover, if I am busy I may not read your responses to the unnumbered questions. Use textual evidence to support your answers where appropriate. Remember to include one or two questions of your own.

Use your own words. When answering, you should always use your own words. Plagiarism is unacceptable. Moreover, copying out of the text demonstrates, at best, only that you knew where to look for an answer to a question. I need to see that you understood the text, and you can only show me that by using your own words. Sometimes philosophers use words in special ways or use special words. In those cases it usually permissible to use the same words, as long as you explain their special usages. If you feel you must quote from the text, do so sparingly, and explain the meaning and relevance of what you quote.

What follows is a rough indication of what I look for in grading the RQs:

4 — (Excellent, A) RQ responses receiving this grade clearly demonstrate advanced understanding of the basic concepts and issues in the text, sensitivity to the complexity and interconnectedness of those issues, and a detailed understanding of how the author is attempting to support his position. In addition, these responses show critical insight either through critique of the text (questioning the author’s reasoning, suggesting alternatives, etc.) or through the raising of substantial and interesting questions concerning the interpretation of the text.

3 — (Good, B) RQ responses receiving this grade demonstrate a basic, but thorough, understanding of basic concepts and issues, at least some awareness of the complexity and interconnectedness of those issues, and a schematic understanding of how the author is attempting to support his position. Where understanding is lacking, an earnest attempt at interpreting the author is evident. In addition, these responses show a somewhat successful attempt at critical examination or questioning of the text.

2 — (Satisfactory, C) RQ responses receiving this grade demonstrate some (possibly incomplete) understanding of basic concepts and issues, little or poor awareness of the complexity and interconnectedness of those issues, and little or poor understanding of how the author is attempting to support his position. In addition, these responses show little or no earnest attempt at interpretation, critical examination, or questioning of the text.

0 — (Unsatisfactory, F) RQ responses receiving this grade have failed to demonstrate any degree of real understanding of basic concepts and issues, and lack evidence of an earnest attempt to do so.

You’ll note that there is no 1 grade listed. This is because 2 is the minimum acceptable. If your response does not meet the criteria for a 2, you will receive a 0. In general, I start out assuming you will perform well enough to receive a 2, and, while reading your RQ response, I look for reasons to push your grade up. I do often assign decimal grades—e.g.: 2.8, 3.3, 3.5. Remember, since you can do up to 8 RQs, one or two grades below what you’d like is not the end of the world.

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