History 3090

Discussion leaders

Here are helpful tips on crafting effective discussion comments/questions that you should use throughout the semester:

1. You should still annotate key points in the margins of the reading, but you should also type your questions or neatly handwrite them on a separate sheet of paper.

2. Note anything about the reading that you found confusing or unclear and state why.  (In other words, move beyond observation).  You might note a concept that the author did not adequately define or arguments you didn’t follow.  Consider what questions would you ask the author if he or she were in the room.

3. Note what surprised you about a reading and, more importantly, why.  For instance, how did the reading clash with any preconceived notions you had about this subject?

4. Think about what criticisms you have of the text.  What did you agree/disagree with and why?  What claims are you skeptical of?  What evidence was lacking and why?

5. Consider how this reading matches up with others we have done in this class or with your previous knowledge of this subject.  

6. While it is often tempting to try to update the subjects we read about in the present time and sometimes these connections are clear and very useful to make, do make a concerted effort not to get too far off topic by focusing first on the ideas as they relate to the time period under discussion.