Dialectical Notes

(A variation of Cornell Notes/Power Notes)

Objective:  Students will be able to:

1.      cite specific passages from a novel and identify the literary significance.

2.      infer author meaning.

3.      apply literary devices to specific passages.

4.      scrutinize reading passages for literary devices

5.      justify their quotes and the importance of them.

Purpose:  Reading is too often a passive experience for many students.  Students sit down with a book, pass their eyes over the words and say that they have completed the reading assignment.  This is not the true meaning of reading a book. 

Requirements:

1. You will need either spiral notebook or several sheets of paper. 
2. Your notes will be divided into three separate columns.  Each column will be labeled in the following manner:  “Page,” “Text,” and “Response.”
3. As you read the passage provided, record the page number and important quotes found in the text.  The quote must appear as it does in the novel…you may use ellipsis to omit information that is not important to your quote since some authors tend to be long-winded and will write incredibly long and complex sentences.
4. In the “Response” column, you should note the significance of the quote in regard to plot, character, theme, purpose, mood, style, etc.  This is where you should note any literary elements that you find within the text.
5. You may also record any questions, comments, or ideas about the passage that have piqued your interest in the “Response” area as well.  These items are used to clear up any problems you have in understanding the novel.  These may also be used to indicate any thoughts or reflections that occur throughout your reading.  In essence, the “Response” section becomes an intellectual history of your reading experience.
6. Upon completion, you will have a summary of the material you have just read.  Not only is summarizing a worthwhile skill, but as we discuss the novel in class, you will have a better understanding of the novel and will agree with facts presented in class discussions.  These facts should all be recording facts of the “who, what, where, when, why and how” variety.
7. In time, dialectical notes will become a habit, one which will guarantee that you actively participate in your reading and make meaning of what you read.
8. These may be used the day we take the final test for the novel.  These must be pre-approved by the teacher.  The teacher will NOT check dialectical notes the day of the test...NO EXCEPTIONS! 
9. Any questions?  Ask!  Don’t assume you know the answer!  You may find that the teacher can provide some valuable insight in regard to preparing your dialectical notebook!