LITT 14310G: Personal Journeys Journal Assignment #1 (10%) Due: Week 5 After reviewing the week 2 section, The Reflective Writing Process: Preparing for Journal Assignment #1, write a 2-3 page journal response to the following question: Choose one character in James Frey’s “A Million Little Pieces” with whom you identify or are intrigued. Why did this character have an impact on you? How did this character encourage you to reflect upon your own life or experiences with other people? Your Journal Response should be critical in nature and contain the following: • “Thesis” or overarching point • Analysis of the course reading(s) • Specific examples from reading(s) to support ideas • Link to greater meaning/idea/message/big picture/ • Connections to course themes and concepts • Insights/personal impact/self-reflection (what I’ve learned from reading this text) Remember: any evidence used from the readings should be cited according to either APA or MLA formatting! MARKING RUBRIC Excellent 10 9 Proficient 8 7 Average 6 5 Poor 4 3 Unsatisfactory 2 1 0 Score /10 Thesis Ability to create and sustain and overarching argument or point about the text Response contains a thesis that surpasses expectations of students at this level; demonstrates depth of analysis and insight into the topic; thesis is complex and addresses key themes/course concepts with a high degree of sophistication Response contains a thesis that meets expectations of students at this level; demonstrates depth of analysis and insight into the topic; thesis is relatively complex and addresses key themes/course concepts, but may lack precision or sophistication Response attempts a thesis but does not meet expectations of students at this level; demonstrates attempts at analysis, but thesis and/or analysis lack polish, depth, or sophistication An attempt has been made to meet assignment requirements, but the thesis may be vague, unsubstantiated, or difficult to identify. Some analysis is present, but does not demonstrate proper understanding of the text or course concepts Response does not have an identifiable thesis present. Vague and/or unsubstantiated analysis may or may not be present. The student has not meet the requirements and/or expectations of the assignment. Assignment may violate academic integrity principles and may be subject to sanctions. Analysis of Course Reading Ability to analyze the text(s) in question and form larger connections based upon personal reflections/insights Response analyzes the text(s) in question with a high degree of insight; incorporates evidence from the reading(s) with proper referencing style (APA or MLA); evidence is chosen with precision and demonstrates deep reflection on the text(s) Response analyzes the text(s) in question that meets course expectations; incorporates evidence from the reading(s) with proper referencing style (APA or MLA); evidence is chosen thoughtfully and supports claims/ideas being made in the response. Response attempts to analyze the text(s) but lacks precision or depth; some attempt to incorporate evidence has been made, but evidence may not be integrated or connected to discussion fully. Referencing of evidence contains frequent mistakes. Little to no attempt has been made to incorporate evidence into the discussion. Analysis of the text is minimal and lacks connection to the discussion. Referencing of evidence is sloppy and/or inaccurate. Little to no attempt has been made to incorporate evidence into the discussion. Analysis of the text is minimal and lacks connection to the discussion. Referencing of evidence may not present, thereby violating academic integrity principles. Assignment may be subject to academic integrity sanctions Connection to Course Themes/Concepts: Ability to integrate learning into real-world experiences and analyze issues with a critical attitude Ability to proficiently demonstrate reflection and deep thinking of acquired knowledge and course concepts, and integrate them into different issues from wide range of course perspectives (e.g. different contexts, cultures, disciplines etc.); critical thinking skills demonstrated in the writing Showing satisfactory ability to relate acquired knowledge to previous experiences; demonstrating attempt to analyze the issues from a number of different perspectives and course themes/concepts Includes description of events, and a little further consideration behind the events using a relatively descriptive style of language; no evidence of using course perspectives in analyzing the issues Only includes mere descriptions of theoretical knowledge; no reflection is demonstrated beyond the description No attempt to connect discussion to course themes or concepts is made. Assignment may violate academic integrity principles and may be subject to sanctions. Spelling, Grammar, Mechanics 0-1 errors 2-3 errors 4-5 errors 6-7 errors 8+ errors