Page 99 - Foundations of Learning, 4th Edition (Revised)

ACTIVITY 3.3

Analyzing a Literary Text

Learning skills: observing, outlining, interpreting

WHY

Textual analysis is a form of reading that requires you to seek how a given text has meaning. Rather than
reading from a cognitive perspective (processing information), you are approaching the text from an affective
perspective (cultural appreciation). Reading this type of literature exposes you to new ideas and cultures,
and different ways of thinking about the world.

LEARNING OBJECTIVES

1. Gain a better understanding of textual analysis.
2. Learn to implement the Reading Methodology for the purpose of analyzing a literary text.

PERFORMANCE CRITERIA

Criterion #1: understanding of textual analysis displayed in answers to the “Reading Questions about
Textual Analysis”

Attributes:
a. all of the question have answers
b. answers are complete and well thought out

Criterion #2: application and documentation of textual analysis to a literary work

Attributes:
a. follows the Reading Methodology
b. includes a paragraph stating your interpretation of the text and your justification for that

interpretation

PLAN

1. Read Chapter 3 from Foundations of Learning.

2. Select a literary text to read for this activity. The text could be a short story, a play, an essay, a poem,
or a text selected by your instructor.

3. Apply the Reading Methodology (from the textual analysis perspective) as you read the selected text.
Document your use of the methodology.

4. Answer the Critical Thinking Questions.

Chapter 3 — Reading Methodology 93