The Taylor book is available at Shakespeare and Co.
Preparation for Class Discussions and Critical Writing Assignments
1. Read every selection at least twice.
a. Read each selection once through quickly to get the main points of the text and to better appreciate how the author approaches the subject.
b. Read each selection a second time to examine very carefully the details and structure of the argument.
2. Be sympathetic, but critical. Often you may feel put off by an author's language, point of view, critical approach, etc. When this happens, it's always a good idea to try to see it from the author's point of view. Then, when you understand why someone would write in such a way or adopt such a view, you'll be in a better position not only to understand it but to critically evaluate it.
3. Take notes and look up unfamiliar words.
4. Read analytically by asking the following questions:
a. What is the central idea, thesis, objective or function of this text?
b. Which statements, examples, or strategies in the text support this objective? Is there anything about the text that undermines what you have identified as "the central objective"?
c. What are the key terms and how are they defined?
d. What assumptions does the text make? (These may often be unstated or hidden assumptions, so you may have to "read between the lines" to find them.)
e. What are some of the important implications of the position taken in the text?
5. In cases where you disagree with the text, articulate clearly what you disagree with and what reasons support your own view.
This analysis, together with your questions and responses to the readings, will form the basis of our weekly class discussions.