DAY 4: Notes and Conversation

After taking our quiz, we looked at the topic of whether or not the Count is fair in his treatment of others.  I asked you to take notes on the discussion, which some of you found easier to do than others.  A lot of us felt that our notes were of little use.  So, either our conversations didn't come to well-defined points, or we need to practice note taking.  Which do you think it is?

I recommended that all of you make sure that you title and date your notes, make a point of referencing the questions that were asked and those who answered.  With those triggers, it will be easier later to recreate what someone said and to jot down those ideas.  However, in the conversations of days to come, we'll pause frequently for people to summarize their key points.

One thing we will clearly have to work on is referencing text specifics, rather than alluding to general plot points.  In the weeks ahead, expect us to pay attention to how we can best talk about stories and be productive at it.

In the next class, you'll be showing me how you can answer a specific question on a specific passage in clear, cogent prose.  The journal entry for next class (asking you to explain whether or not the Count is fair in his treatment of others) will help you prepare.