A journal helps you catalog and reflect on what you have learned, identify the questions you still have, and indicate what you would like to know more about. In your journal you should not only document the knowledge you gain through course materials and discussions, but also identify new ideas to explore and contemplate how you will put your knowledge into practice. The reflection you do in your journal entries is one of the most valuable activities you will perform in this course. Take advantage of this opportunity to examine your thinking and learning.
In the modules that have journal items, you will be prompted to write responses to one or two questions. These questions will encourage you to reflect on the course content and how it meshes with your prior knowledge and experiences. Only you and I can view your journal entries. Your classmates cannot see your entries. I will review your responses and will provide feedback according to the rubric below.
Expectations for Journal Entries
In your journal entries, you are expected to
- Write the entries during the week that they are due. You can't adequately assess your own progress if you are working behind (or ahead of) schedule.
- Write thorough and thoughtful entries of 250–500 words. Be sure to use your own words when constructing your journal entry.
- Address the question or problem while making sure your reflections indicate depth, critical thinking, analysis, and synthesis.
- Support your ideas by describing examples, readings, experiences, other course work, or online resources that pertain to the topic.
- Write grammatically correct sentences that are free of spelling and punctuation errors.
- Proofread your work before submitting it.
- Submit your work on time.
Journal Entry Rubric
Points available: 6 points per journal entry
If you don't submit your journal entry by its due date, you will receive zero points for that entry.
| Criteria | Needs Improvement | Satisfactory | Exemplary |
|---|---|---|---|
| Demonstrates content knowledge, understanding, and application gained from readings, assignments, movies, or other coursework | Reflections show little evidence of knowledge of course content or application of content within the course framework. 1 point |
Reflections demonstrate knowledge of course content and application of content within the course framework. Reflections refer to at least one example from course assignments or readings. 2 points |
Reflections demonstrate knowledge of course content and application of content within the course framework. Reflections include more than one example, and at least one example is drawn from prior knowledge or outside resources, demonstrating your ability to connect course concepts with broader subjects. 3 points |
| Spelling and mechanics | Reflections contain more than one grammar error or more than one spelling error. 1 point |
Reflections contain one grammar error or one spelling error. 2 points |
Reflections contain grammatically correct sentences without any spelling errors. 3 points |
