5.1: Engaged Reading Assignment (ERA)

Purpose:

The purpose of this assignment is to prepare you for our class discussions by actively engaging with the assigned text. By generating open-ended questions and selecting significant quotations, you will deepen your understanding of the material and contribute to meaningful class conversations.

Instructions:

1. Reading and Question Generation:
   • As you read the assigned text, critically engage with the content.
   • For each reading assignment, you must generate 3-5 open-ended questions related to the text. These questions should encourage thoughtful analysis and discussion.
   • Open-ended questions are those that cannot be answered with a simple “yes” or “no.” They invite exploration and multiple perspectives.
2. Quotations:
   • Select 1-2 significant quotations from the text. These quotations can be thought-provoking, controversial, or illustrative of key themes. Please type out the full quote.
   • Please provide an MLA formatted in-text citation for each quotation.
   • Alongside each quotation, briefly explain why you find it significant. What does it reveal about the text, characters, or broader context?
3. Submission:
   • Create an MLA formatted heading.    
   • The assignment should be well-organized, with clear headings for questions and quotations.
   • Save your file in pdf or docx 
   • Submit your Engaged Reading Assignment through the Canvas platform before our scheduled class meeting.
4. During Class:
   • Have access to your assignment either online (via Canvas) or printed out during class.
   • Take notes on your assignment as you hear or discover ideas related to your questions.

Grading Criteria:

• Thoughtfulness and depth of questions (5 points)
• Relevance and significance of selected quotations (5 points)
• Clarity and organization of the assignment (5 points)

Attribution

This assignment was developed in collaboration with Microsoft Copilot, an AI writing assistant. The author, Kelsey Ford, provided all source material, context, and editorial direction. AI assistance was used for drafting and organization only. All content has been reviewed for accuracy.