READING (Jamason, Spitzer)

F-09

 

(if time) Why do we read?  (CJ)

            Entertainment

            Get information

            Get ideas

            Interact with author (and his time)

            Input into performance

 

Reading critically (CJ)

Be aware of ax (that author is grinding)

Read fairly, objectively

Look for flaws in argument (contradictions, inconsistencies)

Does author support argument with adequate, appropriate evidence?

Don’t overlook problems just because you agree with conclusions

 

Types of reading (JS)

Not every reading is critical!

skimming

critical reading

reading online

 

Making a précis (written or remembered) (JS)

What is this source?  (author, date, place, format, primary vs. secondary)

What is author’s purpose?

What is author’s bottom-line message?

What can I take home?

 

Reading the footnotes (JS)

Why bother? (puts reading in context, leads to other sources, reveals inadequacies)

What are author’s sources?

Are sources adequate? appropriate?

Following footnotes back to the sources

 

(if time) The Literature (JS)

Reading in context of previous literature (primary/secondary)

Does present reading contradict previous literature?

Debates in literature

Neglect of literature

 


Interact with what you read (CJ)

Underlining?  Notes?

Commentary (in margins, on xerox backs, on computer) – Commentary is different from “taking notes” – it’s better!

React to ideas!

Look for “leverage” (possibility for new idea, paper topic)

 

Mechanics of reading (JS)

HANDOUT

            Most of this has already been covered – Hit just a couple of points

 

Exercise-1 – Précis (CJ)

Reading on double dotting  

            everyone try to make a précis – use check-list on handout

John, Corey discuss their précis    

 

Exercise-2 – What do students read? (CJ)

1.  What are you reading this week?

2.  What have you read recently about music that you found interesting or exciting?

            3.  What did you like about this reading?

            4.  Hand in in seminar after break