1. Romeo and Juliet Reading Response Journal Using
Depth & Complexity and Content Imperatives
Identify the
key elements
of a specific discipline
Or critically examine specific elements of any subject

2. Elements of Depth & Complexity

4. Content Imperatives

5. Content Imperatives
Origin
Contribution
Parallel
Paradox
Convergence

6. Origin
The root, the beginning or the birth of something … of anything.
The initial or original action or event
The first time that led to this time
The root of patterns, trends, big ideas, etc.—over time

7. Contributions Cause and Effect Impetus
One factor leads to another factor which leads to the development of yet another factor, etc.

8. Parallel
Two or more events, people, concepts, or ideas that are similar
May be contemporary or simultaneous
May exist at different times
May be two different things which share many similar qualities

9. Paradox
Two or more ideas, events, concepts pulling in opposite directions
Conflict
Change that is 180 degrees
Contradiction
Irony

10. Convergence
Two or more ideas/concepts, events, factors and/or big ideas from different perspective/angles come together at the same time to ‘create’ some new event, concept, outcome, etc.
Critical Time or Juncture
Impetus for significant or major action, reaction, or new event

11. Need to Analyze? Use the Thinking Tools
Content Imperatives
Origin:
How did this begin?
What were the roots?
What was the cause?
What was the stimulus?
What was the catalyst?
Describe the development?
Evaluate the causes.
Convergence:
How did this all come together?
How did things merge?
Where is the intersection?
What were the meeting points?
Contribution:
How long did this build?
What was this the result of?
What things came together to cause this?
What was the value?
Parallels:
What is similar?
What is comparable?
What are the shared characteristics?
What seems the same?
Paradox:
What are the opposing ideas?
What are the inconsistencies?
What is the dilemma?
What seems incongruent?
Source: Dr. Sandra Kaplan/USC

12. Review... Depth & Complexity Content Imperatives
Thinking Tools to study any concept/subject
Content Imperatives
Thinking Tools to study any concept/subject more critically by examining its elements with greater specificity
Thinking Tools essential/imperative for in-depth analysis of content

13. Couple = One element of Depth & Complexity AND one Content Imperative
Examples:
Describe one pattern AND one paradox
Describe one ethical issue AND one origin
Describe one detail AND one contribution
Describe one example of multiple perspectives AND one parallel

14. Intersection = An integration of two different elements (3 types)
1st Type – An intersection of two elements of D&C
Examples:
Language that prevails overtime
Same details seen from different perspectives
Unanswered questions about ethical issues

15. Intersection = An integration of two different elements (3 types)
2nd Type – An intersection of two Content Imperatives
Examples:
The origin of a paradox
The convergence of parallel ideas or events

16. Intersection = An integration of two different elements (3 types)
3rd Type – An intersection of one element of D&C and one Content Imperative
Examples:
Identify the paradoxes that have changed overtime
Identify parallels in language/words

17. Extra Credit Opportunity!
Instead of using a Couple or Intersection, use a Pathway
A Pathway begins with: A Pathway ends with:
A question, puzzlement, An answer, question,
interest, problem or passion, solution, or
Conflict resolution      