Some Thoughts about
A Directed Reading Class

Dr. Chris M. Golde
University of Wisconsin-Madison
608/265-6241
cmgolde@facstaff.wisc.edu

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SOME THOUGHTS ABOUT A DIRECTED READING CLASS

Here are a few questions for you to ask yourself before we discuss the possibility of doing a Independent Reading course (EA 990) together. As you know, a Directed Reading (as I am in the habit of calling it) can take many forms, and serve a variety of purposes. These questions are intended to help you focus your thinking. There are no right answers, instead, the goal is to figure out how I can help you best, to make sure I am the best person for you to work with, and to make sure that we share the same assumptions about the nature of the Directed Reading.

BIG PICTURE

What is the topic you are interested in?
Why does this interest you?
How have you narrowed the topic?
What larger set of questions does this topic relate to?

THE DIRECTED READING: EXPECTATIONS

How often do you expect to meet?
 - Weekly
- Every other week
- At the beginning and end of the semester
- Other

What do you want from me?
 - Help in identifying readings?
- Read and discuss key readings with you?
- Critique and discuss regular written work?
- Critique final project?
- Provide structure for you to work independently, and sign off the paperwork?

Why do you think that I am a good person to help you on this Directed Reading?

THE DIRECTED READING: GOALS

What do you want to get out of the Directed Reading?
 - A critical lit review
- An annotated bibliography
- To explore something new
- To take time to read some classics
- To have discussions about some key issues
- Other

What kinds of outcomes will make this feel like a particularly useful and successful Directed Reading?

What kinds of outcomes will make this feel like this Directed Reading was unsuccessful?

version 1.2
August, 1997
Chris M. Golde

Thoughts on Advising | Dissertation Proposals | Writing Groups
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