Looking Closely at Close Reading
Jane Paik Kim · eCommons (Cornell University) · 2010
A winner of the James F. Slevin Assignment Sequence Prize, the sequence originates from English 1190, Great Books: Exploring the Literary Tradition. This sequence for teaching close reading consists of two major parts. First, students learn the process of close reading. They practice analyzing and dissecting a text to discover points of interest, identify questions, and make observations. Next, they move on to crafting close reading papers that allow them to synthesize and present their thoughts in a carefully developed argument. Finally they write longer analytical papers that incorporate the practice of close reading. Preparatory activities include conferences, free-writing, summaries, and reviewing an essay written by the instructor as an undergraduate. Materials include a close reading handout and directions for essays 4, 5, and 6. 21 page pdf