Purpose
The course Journal is one
of the most significant aspects of a student's work in this study.
It is to be an
ongoing dialogue one one's
thoughts, perspectives, biases, confusions, questions, problems, and responses
to the readings and class
discussions.
The Journal is to be a help
in writing for interpretive analysis, in strengthening one's creative &
critical thinking
(analysis that leads to
evaluation) and ability to honestly, concisely and clearly express ideas.
In writing this personal
/ academic journal one must wrestle with the main questions, problems,
and answers
in the writings and class
discussion. This Journal is meant to encourage each student to take
responsibility
for her or his own learning
(including learning whom it is who is doing the learning). Therefore,
it is intended
to stimulate a growing in
wisdom and vision and ideas beyond mere information and unquestioned views.
Guidelines
1. At least 3 entries
per week (on 3 different days), with each entry dated.
Length of entries can vary, but
each
one is to be reflective. It is expected that some entries will be
lengthy when developing one's ideas.
Thus,
each person will decide and determine how valuable keeping such a journal
will be by the effort and
depth
of reflective given to it over the duration of the course.
2. At times, the mentor
will ask everyone to respond to questions or topics in her or his Journal,
but much
of the
time each person is expected to decide upon what is to be written.
3. The Journal is to be typed and double-spaced.
4. The Journal is to begin no later than August 28, 2000, by responding to the "Initial Questions" below.
5. Journals will be collected at an announced time in the semester for review and comment.
Initial Questions
Everyone is to begin her
or his Journal by responding to the following questions: