What are annotations?

When you annotate a text, you write notes, comments, and questions, usually in the margins. These can be helpful when you are trying to do things like make connections between a group of readings and remember and mark interesting or confusing passages that you may want to revisit, especially when you want to write papers or study for tests. 

Hypothes.is

Hypothes.is is a digital annotation platform that allows you to annotate anything on the web. It also allows you to make these annotations socially: you can see annotations other readers are making and other readers can see what you are annotating. We will be using this platform to collectively–as a class–annotate material we will read. 

Preliminary tasks

First, be sure to watch the video guide about using hypothes.is

Second, register for a hypothes.is account.

Third, join our class annotation group.

Once you have completed these tasks you will be able to make annotations. 

Assignment

I would like you to annotate course readings-before the due dates marked on the syllabus with questions, comments, and observations that pertain to the prompt I leave at the top of the page of each reading. 

For the dates marked on the syllabus, each of you should post at least three thoughtful, substantive annotations that respond to my prompt.

Ground rules:

1. As stated above, each annotation should answer the prompt
2. Each person should make at least three substantial annotations per text.
3. Multimedia: Try to incorporate images, links, and videos into your annotations. Additionally, post primary or archival material from the Web if you come across it.

Grade:

The aggregate value of annotations will make up 15% of your overall grade. There will be fuve annotation checks during the semester; the grade for each will reflect a combination of several of your annotations.