Dialectical Journal

What is dialectical journal? Simply put, “dialectical” means “the art or practice of arriving at the truth by the exchange of logical arguments” (dictionary.com). A dialectical journal, then, is used to arrive at the “truth” of a written work through written responses to quotations from that work. You will be using a novel as the anchor text for your writing. Simply put, “dialectical” means “the art or practice of arriving at the truth by the exchange of logical arguments” (dictionary.com). A dialectical journal, then, is used to arrive at the “truth” of a written work through written responses to quotations from that work. You will be using a novel as the anchor text for your writing.

What is the purpose of the dialectical journal? The purpose of a dialectical journal is to identify significant pieces of text and explain/discuss their significance. The purpose of a dialectical journal is to identify significant pieces of text and explain/discuss their significance.

How often do I complete an entry? You will be complete an entry about every 40 – 50 pages You will be complete an entry about every 40 – 50 pages

What are the components of the dialectical journal? Quotations Quotations Response to the quotation Response to the quotation Visual Visual Response to the visual Response to the visual You will have a total of 10 quotation/responses and 10 visual and responses You will have a total of 10 quotation/responses and 10 visual and responses

How to choose a quotation. Writing Component--Choosing Significant Quotations Writing Component--Choosing Significant Quotations As a reader, you must be able to discern why some passages hold particular significance to the events, characters, and themes in the writing. When you are asked to explain the significance of a quotation, you are being asked to explain why the quotation is an important part of the literature you are reading. [And often, important to the world in which we live.] Usually, a quotation takes on a particular significance because it relates to one, or all, of the follow items: Character, Theme, Literary Techniques. (The quotation is an example of excellent writing because…) As a reader, you must be able to discern why some passages hold particular significance to the events, characters, and themes in the writing. When you are asked to explain the significance of a quotation, you are being asked to explain why the quotation is an important part of the literature you are reading. [And often, important to the world in which we live.] Usually, a quotation takes on a particular significance because it relates to one, or all, of the follow items: Character, Theme, Literary Techniques. (The quotation is an example of excellent writing because…) Choose quotations that both interest you and make you think. Choose quotations that both interest you and make you think.

How is this set up in my composition? Quotation On the left hand side of your page put your quotation. Each passage is usually at least fifty words in length. Include an MLA parenthetical citation. Include all significant parts of the quotation. Do not cut a passage off or begin in the middle of an important thought. You must copy each quotation using M.L.A. format. On the left hand side of your page put your quotation. Each passage is usually at least fifty words in length. Include an MLA parenthetical citation. Include all significant parts of the quotation. Do not cut a passage off or begin in the middle of an important thought. You must copy each quotation using M.L.A. format.

How is this set up in my composition? Quotation On the right hand side you write your response to the quotation. On the right hand side you write your response to the quotation. Each written response should be words and include a word count at the end. Each written response should be words and include a word count at the end.

What should be in my response? Each response should contain the following elements. Divide each entry into four or more paragraphs ( words IN TOTAL)*: Each response should contain the following elements. Divide each entry into four or more paragraphs ( words IN TOTAL)*: (1) 1st paragraph--Provide a brief (one to three sentences) explanation to provide context for your quotation. Be sure to mention the chapter number. (1) 1st paragraph--Provide a brief (one to three sentences) explanation to provide context for your quotation. Be sure to mention the chapter number. (2) Provide your personal thoughts/perspectives on the quotation (your insights) 1-2 paragraphs (2) Provide your personal thoughts/perspectives on the quotation (your insights) 1-2 paragraphs (3) Point out what elements of fiction are the focal points of the passage and/or comment on the use of literary devices/techniques in the quotation. 1-2 paragraphs (3) Point out what elements of fiction are the focal points of the passage and/or comment on the use of literary devices/techniques in the quotation. 1-2 paragraphs (4) Final paragraph--Provide a brief closing comment/conclusion. (4) Final paragraph--Provide a brief closing comment/conclusion.

How is this set up in my composition? Visual Draw your visual on the left hand side of your composition. Draw your visual on the left hand side of your composition. Your must first decide what you want to communicate in your visual. Your must first decide what you want to communicate in your visual. Think about: Colours : Cold (grays, blues, pale). Women are all one colour, Janine is another (green) Think about: Colours : Cold (grays, blues, pale). Women are all one colour, Janine is another (green) Placement on Page: Janine is separate from the group, off to one side. Relative Size: Janine is smaller, the ladies are over-sized. How You Will Incorporate Text to Support Visuals: Loneliness envelopes Janine, words from passage are woven in and/or used as thoughts and spoken words.

How is this set up in my composition? Visual Response This response should be on the right hand side of your composition. This response should be on the right hand side of your composition. You must explain the significance of your illustration. You must explain the significance of your illustration. What deeper meaning is it illustrating What deeper meaning is it illustrating