English 470

Shirley Rose

Spring 2003

Revised February 13, 2003, based on class review

Guidelines for Leading a Colloquy on a Shared Reading Selection

1. Select a reading on rhetoric and composition from the class text (Covino and Jolliffe) or find another reading that corresponds to your own interests in theories of rhetoric and composition. If you choose a reading not in the text, you will have to provide access to a copy for each member of the class (on-line access is OK).

2. Select a class period from the days available.

3. Prepare to lead a colloquy (informal discussion) reviewing, commenting on, and responding to the reading you selected. Your preparation should include the following:

a. background information about the author(s)

1) what else has the author written?

2) what biographical information might enhance readers’ understanding?

b. background publication information about the context in which the article/essay first appeared

1) what issues/topics are the focus of interest for the journal or press (check editorial statements and preview other articles published in the journal, or other chapters published in the book, or other books published by the press)

2) when was the selection first published?

c. definitions of key terms and information that might help readers understand

d. explanation of the reasons you selected the reading

1) how is it related to your own interests?

2) how might it be of interest to others in the class?

3) what has been its influence on later work (has it been cited very often?

4) how does it relate to other readings/themes of English 470?

3. At least one class period before your scheduled day, make sure each class member has access to a copy of the reading and provide a written “prompt” (assignment instructions) for class members’ reading journal entries. The prompt should encourage class members to make connections between this reading and other course readings and to make connections between the reading and their interests and experiences. The response to the prompt will be due from class members at the beginning of the class period. It will be turned in to the colloquy leader for comment. The leader will then pass the responses along to the instructor to be checked off for “Reading Journal” credit.

4. On your assigned day, lead the class discussion of your reading. You may organize the class period however you wish in order to make the most of the time and allow class members to derive the greatest benefit. Activities must have an obvious and appropriate purpose.