discussions and critical reading

Discussion and class participation is an important part of student evaluation. Incisive, imaginative and thoughtful comments that generate and facilitate discussion are weighed heavily in final grades. Asking questions, responding to student questions and contributing to an ongoing discussion are a necessary part of the learning experience.

The best ways to prepare for and contribute to class discussion are:

1. complete the reading on time, and
2. critically analyze the reading. The primary goal of critical reading is to identify the author's interpretation and evaluate the evidence and influences leading to that conclusion. Never assume a "passive" position when reading a text. To fully comprehend and understand any reading, ask the following questions:

1. What is the thesis of the author?

2. Does the author have a stated or unstated point of view? How does the author construct their argument? Are the author's goals, viewpoints, or agendas revealed in the introduction or preface? Does the author provide evidence to support the argument? Is it the right evidence? In the final analysis, do you think the author proves the argument or does the author rely on preconceived views or personal ideology? Why do you think that?

3. Does the author have a moral or political posture? Is it made explicit or implicit in the way the story is told? What is the author's view of human nature? Does change come from human agency and "free will" or broad socio-economic forces?

4. What assumptions does the author hold about society? Does the author see society as hierarchical, pluralistic, democratic or elitist? Does the author present convincing evidence to support this view?

5. How is the narrative constructed or organized? Does the author present the story from the viewpoint of a certain character or group? Why does the author begin and end at certain points? Is the story one of progress or decline? Why does the author write this way?

6. What issues and events does the author ignore? Why? Can you think of alternative interpretations or stories that might present a different interpretation? Why does the author ignore certain events or facts?

Timothy J. Gilfoyle, Associate Professor of American History