Romeo and Juliet Response Journal
 (100 points; Major Work)

You are to explore the psychology of the play through a journal you will keep as we study the play together.  (It is assumed that you have read the play once already.)  There are many different ways to configure your journal so read each option carefully to find the one that is right for you.  I have included a scoring guide here, but more important than any assessment in this assignment is the notion that you have some fun and really explore yourself and the characters.  Be critical, be insightful, be sarcastic, be philosophical, be real. 

Special Instructions

Journal Option 1: Assume the role of either Romeo or Juliet and keep your journal as if you were he/she.

Journal Option 2: Assume the role of any other significantly developed character and keep your journal as if you were he/she. Possibilities include Benvolio, Mercutio, Friar Lawrence, The Nurse (I will consider requests for others.).

Journal Option 3: Act as psychoanalyst for Romeo or Juliet. Try keeping this journal as a psychologist's notes.

Journal Option 4: Do a reader response journal where you process your feelings as you read through the play. Consider focusing on certain character(s) or theme(s).

Assessment

Understand that I have no intention of reading everything you write for this activity -- that's not the point of it.  What I will do is collect it all and read three pages (approximately 30%).  I'll base the grade on those three pages assuming the entire journal is of reasonable length.  Please keep the criteria in the assessment rubric in mind as you write.


Romeo and Juliet Response Journal Assessment Rubric

Name:__________________________________________

Type:___________________________________________

The journal is honest, insightful, witty, intriguing, risky.

_____intriguing         _____interesting       _____ordinary

 

The journal is true to the text: uses the words, the connotations, the images.

_____masterful         _____understands   _____inconsistent

 

The journal is inquisitive, with real questions, clever alternatives, depth of motivation.

_____deep                _____thoughtful         _____superficial

 

The journal reflects higher level thought: analyzes text, character, your feelings; synthesizes the play with your real life; evaluates your feelings, Shakespeare's themes and language, the characters' actions.

_____superior           _____good                _____mediocre

 

 

The journal is well presented but authentic.

 

_____superior           _____good                _____acceptable

 

 

Overall Evaluation:_____