Interpretive Reflection (IR)
PURPOSE: Your Interpretive Reflection (called an IR) is Your Two-Minute Class Insight. Its purpose is to “think deeply” on an aspect of a text/theme/issue.
AUDIENCE: Since you are writing for your fellow classmates restating or summarizing the readings will be absolutely redundant. In writing it, imagine you are reading it aloud for everyone to hear and engage it. Reading it aloud may prove useful.
ENGAGE READINGS: A good IR will be a deep engagement with a reading . Good grasp of that reading and pertinent issues is a necessary prerequisite.
WITHIN/WITHOUT: In line with general methodology of the class, seek to speak from both within and without the text. Ask the instructor to explain this distinction.
TONE: An IR is not an op-ed or an expression of how you felt about the readings. Be direct and get straight to your point. Like most writing and communication, it is geared toward speaking to an audience and persuading it of your insight. You do not need to exclude yourself. So yes, you can use first person pronoun I! The question is what kind of “I” is speaking in the IR. An “I” that is unreflective, or/and does not engage readings or the audience misses its mark.
INTEREST: Choose to reflect on the aspects of readings that you find fascinating, intriguing, contentious, or simply unclear/confusing.
Asking the following questions will help:
- DO YOU CARE? Is this idea worth your time and effort? Do you care about the topic/theme/text?
- FEASIBILITY: Is the idea manageable within the word-limit prescribed for the assignment? With limited words, write only after having fully developed your thoughts so you could state those as clearly and succinctly as possible.
- ILLUMINE: Does the IR offer something different/new or merely summarize? Will it be illuminating to your audience? Why should your classmates care about what you have to say
- SHOW/PERSUADE: Does it show (not just state) what it was meant to convey to your audience? Does it successfully convince or persuade your audience?
*Standard font (Times New Roman) and margins (one inch on all sides) are expected at all times. Only cite fully if it is a source other than the assigned material. You may use Chicago or MLA format.
* You are encouraged to engage and provide feedback on IRs written by others. You may also be asked to peer-grade these IRs.
* Do mention the WORD COUNT in the end.
