Journal
Students are required to read The Sacred Pipe and keep a journal while reading it. The journal is to be
at least 1500 words in length, double spaced, with one-inch margins and a 10-12 point font. The
journal is to be an example of the student’s ability to write and analyze the material he or she is reading.
An attempt should be made to integrate material from the other textbooks in this course with the reading
of The Sacred Pipe. The journal must be submitted to the Dropbox by the conclusion of Module 7.
Journal entries should be made for each of the eight chapters. Your journal should be typed, contain
complete sentences and be grammatically correct. While you are reading, write down what goes on in
your head in “stream of consciousness” style in the margins of your book, in a notebook, or in a computer
file. You will be making a record of images, associations, feelings, thoughts, judgments, etc. You will
probably find that the record contains:
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Questions that you ask yourself about the narrative and events as you read (answer these
yourself when you can).
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Memories from your own experiences provoked by the reading.
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Guesses about how the text might proceed and why.
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Reflections on striking moments and ideas in the book.
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Comparisons between how you behave and how the author describes actions and behavior.
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Thoughts and feelings about content.
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Comments on how the story is being told. For example, write any words and phrases that make
an impression on you, or motifs/themes which you notice the author using.
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Connections to other texts, ideas, and courses.
A journal entry consists of two parts:
1. The first part is a direct quotation of the part you noted from the text, copied word for word,
and enclosed in quotation marks. Be sure to include the author’s last name and the page number
of the quotation in parentheses after the quotation. MLA format requires that you use the last
name, a space, and then the number, e.g. (Ludwig 89).
2. The second part of the journal entry is a paragraph that explains why you found the passage
to be important or interesting. Sometimes students ask questions about the reading, or they
explain it, or relate to it in some way. Whatever you do, do not simply summarize the contents
of the passage. Instead, go beyond it somehow, analyze it, offer thoughts about why it seems
important to you or to others. In essence, by writing about the importance of the passage, you will
give it meaning.
It is also helpful to explain what is going on in the text at the time of the passage (the context). Some
students like to write (1) what is happening in the story, (2) what the passage says, and (3) why the
passage is important or interesting. This structure is not necessary, but sometimes it helps you organize
your responses.
The quality of your thinking and the energy with which you attempt to analyze your reading are the most
important aspects of this assignment!
An “A” paper is well-written and thoughtful with personal insights. It also attempts to present a synopsis of
what is written in the text. The student illustrates that they grasp the significance of the material and can
draw from class material to illustrate their understanding of the text. The “A” paper is an appropriate
length and is turned in on time. It is presented in a logical manner and is well-organized. All quotes are
properly cited in the MLA method.
