Dialectical Journal

Dialectic Journals


The term “Dialectic” means “the art or practice of arriving at the truth by using conversation involving question and answer.”  Think of your dialectical journal as a series of conversations with the texts we read during this course.  The process is meant to help you develop a better understanding of the texts we read.  Use your journal to incorporate your personal responses to the texts, your ideas about the themes we cover and our class discussions.   Procedure:

• As you read, choose passages that stand out to you and record them in the left-hand column of a T-chart (ALWAYS include page numbers). 
• In the right column, write your response to the text (ideas/insights, questions, reflections, and comments on each passage) 

Responding To the Text:

You can respond to the text in a variety of ways.  The most important thing to remember is that your observations should be specific and detailed. You can write as much as you want for each entry.  You can use loose-leaf paper for your journals  

Basic Responses

• Raise questions about the beliefs and values implied in the text
• Give your personal reactions to the passage
• Discuss the words, ideas, or actions of the author or character(s)
• Tell what it reminds you of from your own experiences
• Write about what it makes you think or feel
• Agree or disagree with a character or the author

Setting and Historical background Notes

Character Profiling