Reading Summary Format
The summaries are to follow a precise format: 1-page of single-spaced, 11 pt text covering all of that week’s reading according to the paragraph structure described below, numbers 1-4, plus a 1/2-full page of bullet point notes (number 5). If you’re particularly inspired you may add additional paragraphs, not to exceed 2-pages. In general, tight paragraphs sticking to the format below are greatly preferred over rambling observations.
Compose two questions formed while reflecting on the required reading and that you would like to raise in class. Be prepared to ask and discuss your questions (even though we will not get to everyone’s questions every week.) The questions should be at the top of your page.
The first paragraph should summarize the overall subject of the week’s reading(s). When there are multiple readings step back and ask yourself why did Ellen put these readings together? What is the topic that unifies them? What are the differences that distinguish them? Compare and contrast the differences in terms of how they relate to the overall subject rather than describing each one separately.
The second paragraph should identify the readings’ implications for the organization of public and private territory. Ask yourself whether the author is primarily discussing how the public realm of streets, parks, and public spaces should be arranged or whether they are principally concerned with the design of the private realm of individual buildings and the rules that govern their impacts on the larger city and community? Which do they prioritize? And what do they recommend? Ultimately, what are they arguing needs to change? Again – where there are multiple authors, compare and contrast their approaches rather than describing each one separately. It’s okay to spend more time on some authors than others, but it’s good to at least mention all of the authors assigned that week (if only to let us know you did all of the readings.)
The third and final paragraph should provide your opinion of the most interesting aspect of the reading(s). This might be an inspiring detail or an attitude you find disturbing or disagree with. While the first two paragraphs should be analytical, this is the paragraph where you offer your own original reactions. You might connect it to places you have experienced or your own opinion about should change.
List bullet points of key concepts from each reading in a way that clearly demonstrates that you actually did the reading. These bullet points do not count in the 1-page limit of the text. A good bullet point list will help you recall the author’s arguments in the future (and while writing your summary.) Any required readings that do not have bullet points will be assumed NOT to have been read and the grade will be dropped accordingly. A good bullet point list will be between half a page to a full page of single-spaced, 11pt bullets.
Submit the summaries to Canvas no later than 3pm the day of class.
A good reading summary does not simply report on what the author(s) said. Rather, it synthesizes the reader’s understanding (or not) of the significance of what the author(s) said. Before starting to write, ask yourself why these writings were grouped together and what the larger themes are. It’s okay to admit that you either did not follow or disagreed with parts of the author’s argument.
Grades: The summaries’ primary purpose is to prove you did the reading. Their secondary purpose is to help you reflect on the readings and prepare for discussion in class. Their tertiary purpose is to help you examine how an author has crafted their argument and give you the opportunity to start crafting your own. Given this, grades will be set by the following parameters:
Failure to turn in a reading summary will result in a F and 0 points for that week.
Submission of bullet point notes proving you did the reading but without the summary text (points 1-4) will receive from 50-69 points, depending on completion.
a good set of bullet point notes demonstrating that you did the reading, with minimal summary text (points 1-4) will generally receive a C (70-79).
Bullet point notes plus descriptive comments that demonstrate that you reflected on the individual readings will generally be adequate for a B grade (80-89).
Good bullet point notes and comments that synthesize more than simply describe, and result in a well-crafted argument will receive an A (90-99).
Note: Points will be taken off for not conforming to the prescribed format, missing a reading, and for lateness. Your final grade will be damaged much more from missing a week and receiving 0 points than submitting a weak, rushed summary that only scores 50 points. Summaries that are less than 24 hours late will have 3 points deducted. Those that are less than a week late will have 6 points taken off. More than a week late will have 10 points deducted. The last day to turn in late summaries and papers written for an excused absence is Dec 7.
Plagiarism – Caite and I read the Wikipedia entries and other online sources on these authors too. We also run every assignment through plagiarism-detection software. Plagiarism is a serious offense and can result in termination from Georgia Tech. There is no need to read any material other than the assigned required reading. However, if you do wish to reference other authors or pull text from websites it must be cited appropriately with footnotes indicating the source. Never submit the work of others as if it is your own.
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