Instructions for the Notes & Questions Assignments
1.) For the Notes & Questions assignments, you will submit your notes from the readings and videos earlier in this unit.
2.) Then, you also will write any questions you have on the specific readings, the literary genre, and/or the course itself.
If you do not have any questions, you’ll need to explain why. In your response, briefly explain your understanding of the readings and literary genre.
Taking Notes
In order to ensure a solid grade on your notes, please take detailed notes.
In your notes, you should include two things:
- First, a basic outline of the storyline and the work’s major ideas.
- Second, you should take notes using at least three of the concepts listed below.
Basic Concepts for Interpreting a Novel
When interpreting novels, students should consider taking notes on the following aspects:
- Outline of Key Events: Create a chronological or thematic outline of the significant events, plot points, and character developments that occur in the first half of the novel.
- Characters: Note the main characters and their traits, motivations, relationships, and arcs throughout the story. Pay attention to their growth, conflicts, and interactions.
- Setting: Analyze the time period, geographical location, and social or cultural context in which the story unfolds. Consider how the setting influences the events and characters.
- Themes: Identify the major themes or ideas explored in the novel, such as love, power, identity, or justice. Track how these themes develop and resonate throughout the narrative.
- Narrative Structure: Examine the novel’s structure, including the use of chapters, perspectives, or non-linear storytelling. Note any narrative techniques employed by the author.
- Style and Language: Pay attention to the author’s writing style, use of language, and literary devices. Analyze how these elements contribute to the overall tone and atmosphere of the story.
- Symbolism and Imagery: Identify recurring symbols, motifs, or imagery employed by the author. Reflect on their significance and how they contribute to the deeper layers of meaning in the novel.
- Point of View: Consider the narrative perspective and its impact on the reader’s understanding and engagement with the story. Analyze the reliability and subjectivity of the narrator.
- Social or Historical Context: Research the historical, cultural, or social context in which the novel was written and published. Explore how these factors might influence the author’s intentions and themes.
- Character Development and Relationships: Track the development of characters over time and note any significant relationships, conflicts, or transformations that occur.
- Remember that each novel is unique, and the specific elements to focus on may vary depending on the genre, author’s style, and the themes explored. Adapt your note-taking approach to best suit the specific novel you are interpreting.
Attaching Your Notes
Perhaps the easiest way to take and submit detailed notes is to take your notes digitally, by typing them into a document offline.
To that end, it may be easiest to take, save, and submit your notes digitally, in another document that you can upload later.
However, since studies show that handwriting your notes may aid in learning retention, you may also submit photos of your hand-written notes, instead. However, they will need to be photographed and written clearly enough for me to read. To upload those photos, click the “Attach Files” button below, as when uploading .PDF files.
A Reminder about Daily Reviews of Your Notes
There are several reasons for taking careful notes in the course, beyond the challenges of keeping track of the readings for your essays later in the course.
One of the best ways to learn and retain what you study is to flip or scroll through your notes each day. It only takes a minute or two, and you needn’t read them in any detail. However, simply refreshing your mind each day — just by looking at them, however briefly — will help you in several ways:
- Reviewing your notes daily will help you remember your studies later on, including for your quizzes, essays, and final exam.
- These one- or two-minute-long reviews will also help clarify your thoughts and ideas about the readings and the course itself.
- Ideas and concepts that once seemed complicated will become clear, as if by magic.
- Plus, it’s a positive way to remember all that you’ve accomplished so far!
- In these ways, and more, brief daily reviews help you see the big picture and direction of the course, preparing you to move forward into new territory.
I highly recommend briefly reviewing your notes daily.
