Lp640

3.03 B Reader's Journal -- Required by all:

As you read your book, keep a journal or log of your reading and thoughts. Your journal will consist of a minimum of 5 entries, which are evenly spaced throughout the book from the beginning to the end.

One particular concept you should explore prior to reading and completing your Reader's Journal is characterization. Characterization is the method used by an author to present a character to the reader. Five layers work together in various combinations to give the reader a mental picture of the character: (1) character's appearance, (2) character's actions, (3) character's thoughts, (4) character's speech, and (5) getting the reactions of others. The author carefully selects which layers of information to include, depending on how well the author wants the reader to "know" the character. As you will see, some layers are more informative than others.

Experiment with the five layers of characterization game.

Now, think about this:

Can you think of situations when an author would use fewer layers of characterization? When would an author use more (possibly all 5 layers)? Does it make a difference when a story is nonfiction, like the books in Module 3? As you read the book you've chosen, notice how characters are presented and think about which layers are being used.

Requirements for Journal Entries

1. Have a heading that lists the date when read, and part of the book being discussed and the pages covered in the entry. (e.g. Chapters 1 - 3 pgs. 7 - 78, July 4)

2. Do not simply summarize "what happens," but "go beyond" the plot.

3. Show a sound understanding of characterization, looking at a minimum of two characters.

4. Identify the choices made by the protagonist and the resulting consequences. (a minimum of 3)

5. Demonstrate active reading and thinking about the novel.

6. Span the entire novel.

7. For each entry select one important quote from the book.

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