analysis to revision

ENG 125: Introduction to Literature

Reading Journal #1

Throughout the semester, we have deeply read, analyzed and discussed essays and memoirs of the Black Arts Movement (BAM). In each of the pieces we have studied, writers have communicated to their audiences a need for change and asked readers to revise or change their thinking about an idea or set of ideas. For this reading journal, you are invited to consider two of the texts we have read so far and trace what revisions or changes the writers of these texts want their audiences to make in their thinking. Additionally, you will want to consider what specific actions the writers would want their audiences to take to bring about these changes in their thinking and move them into action. A helpful way to gather ideas for this reading journal is to revisit your notes and consider what we have discussed in terms of “Revision” (as part of RAIDS) for different texts or take time to answer the two questions under “Revision” for texts you will analyze. You should also include some commentary in your journal about how the changes these writers want audiences to make connect to current events in some way. For instance, you may ask yourself: what in the U.S. or globally is occurring that the ideas of these writers still speaks to? How can the ideas of the texts you are analyzing present new ideas on current events we face today? You can also choose to explore something in popular culture (could be a book, film, painting, poem, play, song, music video, performance, speech etc.) and how the ideas from the BAM texts you analyzed relate to it.

You are welcome and encouraged to write in first-person and include yourself as part of the audience and comment on how the texts caused you to think differently as well. This journal is a chance to reflect on what you have read and develop your ideas on revision, as well as connect the readings to current social events and/or popular culture. Please remember to back up points you make with specific quotes and examples from the text. Your Reading Journal #1 should be 3-4 pages, double spaced.