Dialectical Journal (DJ)

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Dialectical Journal (DJ)
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• What is a dialectical journal?

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Origins of Dialectic

• dialectic (dialektik) term of Greek philosophy,
  derived from the verb meaning to converse or to
  discuss. The dialectical method of Socrates, as
  it appears from the dialogues of Plato, had as
  its aim the testing of the truth of a proposition
  by question and answer, in a manner roughly
  resembling ordinary conversation. It was
  destructive rather than constructive, in that it
  demonstrated flaws in a suggested proposition but
  arrived at no better substitute. Plato's own
  dialectic is a development from that of Socrates.
  At its simplest it starts from an assumption
  taken to be true for the purposes of argument,
  and proceeds through question and answer (as did
  Socrates') in a methodically rigorous way until a
  conclusion is reached. It seemed to Plato that
  his method made it possible to acquire knowledge,
  and provide explanations for what is known,
  positively and systematically. For Plato
  dialectic was the only way to reach the true end
  of philosophy, knowledge.
• (The Classical Literature Companion)

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• What is a dialectical journal?
• A dialectical journal is a running dialogue
  between you, the reader, and what you are
  reading. This is done by recording notes in the
  form of quotations and then commenting upon what
  you have recorded.

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• What do I write? How do I write it?
• A dialectical journal takes the form of a double
  entry notation, with the quotation located on the
  left side of the page and your reaction on the
  right side.

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What do I write?
On the left On the
right

• A Quotation that
• May hit with some force
• May make you think or question
• That strikes you as significant
• That has layers of meaning to decipher.

• Explanation of why you chose the quotation
• Question Ask questions while you read.
• Analyze/Evaluate Form opinions both while
  youre reading and after youve finished.
  Develop your own judgments about the characters
  and your own ideas about events.
• Interpret determine the meaning of what youve
  read
• Reflect what does the quote
  say about all people and humanity? In other words
  reflect on the universal themes.
• Literary Techniques Comment
  upon when and why they are used.

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Still not sure
what to do?
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First, pick out a significant quote.
Next, transcribe it into your journal (on
the left side of your page).
Now, write your response to the quotation (on the
right side. For example . . .
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Dialectical Journal An Upheaval by Chekhov
The reader gains a substantial amount of
knowledge from the very first sentence. Most of
which requires reading between the lines.
Although the first word of Chekhovs story is
Mashenka, we learn that she indeed is not
terribly important within the world of the story,
that is, the other characters do not see her as
important. Chekov quickly gives us her story
within the commas. We will learn that despite her
education, she is relegated to a lowly position
within the Kushkin household. The peacefulness of
her walk is destroyed by the terrible turmoil
the household is in. The theme of power vs.
powerlessness is subtly suggested here.

• MASHENKA PAVLETSKY, a young girl who had only
  just finished her studies at a boarding school,
  returning from a walk to the house of the
  Kushkins, with whom she was living as a
  governess, found the household in a terrible
  turmoil (1).

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• observations, revelations, questions, reflections
  any thoughts you have about the quotations
  significance. Discuss the authors use of
  language. How does he convey his ideas? Who is
  his intended audience and what is his purpose?
  What are the techniques he uses to accomplish his
  purpose? Discuss any distinctive or interesting
  aspects of this authors style. Choose
  quotations that will allow you to discuss a
  variety of literary elements including diction
  (word choice), literary devices (simile,
  metaphor, allusion, personification, etc.) as
  well as theme, tone and point of view.

Your response might include. . .
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DJ Rubric

• Generic Dialectical
  Journal Scoring Guide
• Features meaningful quote selections
• Analysis of the text demonstrates careful
  thought
• Coverage of text is complete and thorough
• Journal is neat, organized
• Uses thoughtful interpretation and
  commentary avoids clichés
• Makes insightful personal connections
• Asks thought-provoking and insightful
  questions
• Careful reading as evidenced through an
  awareness of levels of meaning
• Character analysis is consistent with the
  material presented
• Shows an understanding of character
  motivation
• Comparisons and connections are made
  between text and other literary and artistic
  works
• Recognizes the authors writing choices
  (including techniques) and reasons for those
  choices
• Recognizes the energy and deliberateness
  of the writing process
• Demonstrates an awareness of point of
  view