These papers are intended to encourage you to think about the reading in greater depth, and will be graded primarily on content. However, they should still be carefully proofread.
The topic of each response paper is up to you; write on something from the reading that interests you.
Your paper should show that you've completed the reading assignment. However, unlike in more formal academic essays, you do not need to provide any kind of summary, and in fact, you should not summarize - assume that I am familiar with the reading!
Response papers should reflect original and thoughtful consideration of the reading. Look on them as an opportunity to develop your opinions, ideas, and writing style, and to find your own voice. You may also find it useful to think of these papers as building blocks for your longer research papers.
Format
Response papers should be two pages long - not 1 ½, not 1 ¾, but two full pages, double spaced. As with all assignments, your papers should be typed in a standard 12-point font, like Times New Roman or Garamond, with page margins of approximately 1". Any headers (your name, date, etc) should be single spaced, and you should not use drop spaces between paragraphs.
Updated 1. September 2002