Journals

Ten journal entries will be due on dates listed in the course calendar. Journals are intended to be your own words. Cut-and-paste from web sites is not acceptable. Use this journal to provide comments on the readings, discussions, web sites, and other experiences. The total amount of writing should be 6 to 8 pages for each journal.

After you complete the assigned readings sit back and think about what it all meant. Once you have an idea of what you want to say, start typing your journal, much of it off the top of your head. Whatever comes to mind. While I expect a certain amount of organization, the journals are not expected to be "term paper quality."

The journals should contain two separate parts:

First, provide specific comments on readings. Label this section "Reading Content." Provide enough information to demonstrate that you did the required readings, but you should not write more than 4 or 5 pages for this section.

The second section of your journal should include a 2 to 3 page summary in which you integrate the readings, class discussion, current events, other classes, and any other experiences. This should be labeled the "So What?" section.

My grading criteria is fairly simple. While reading the journals I ask three questions:

1. Did you read it?
2. Did you think about the issues raised in the reading?
3. Did you integrate various issues - are you applying the concepts?

At the end of the course, the sum of your journal entries and essay exams should document your thoughts about "Judicial Decisionmaking" and related issues covered in this course. Gather your graded essays and journals and place them in a folder to be submitted as your final portfolio. This portfolio should also include a final journal entry in which you reflect on the learning in this course. Copies of your Short Essays and each Essay Exam should also be included.

Journal Schedule:

9/8: Journal 1 - Sections 1 and 2

9/15: Journal 2 - Section 3

9/22: Journal 3 - Sections 4 and 5

10/6: Journal 4 - Sections 12 and 13

10/20: Journal 5 - Sections 14 and 15

10/27: Journal 6 - Section 16

11/03: Journal 7 - Section 17

11/10: Journal 8 - Sections 18 and 19

12/1: Journal 9 - Sections 22, 23, and 24

12/6: Journal 10 - Reflect on entire course