Saying Something
"Saying something" is a course policy and requirement.
It means you come to class each day with something meaningful to say about the current readings. 
Sometimes I'll call on specific people to say their something, other times we may go around the room and everyone will say something, and other times I'll have you say your something in your learning log. (Saying something tends to work hand-in-hand with your learning log. )
How do you know what to say? How do you come up with something to say? Here are some possibilities:
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While reading the assignments, jot questions and thoughts in the margins of your text. One or more of these can work as your something-to-say. Questions = something you don't get, something that confuses you, or any whys, whats, and wherefores.
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What are your ideas and views about religion? politics? social issues? art? literature? What in the readings connects in some way with those ideas? Do the readings reflect and reinforce your views? Oppose your views? Cause you to modify your views?
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Do some brief research. For example, formulate a question—any meaningful question—about the reading and then search for an answer or answers. Or simply look up information which you think enhances a reader's understanding and appreciation of the material in question.
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The somethings you have to say are for yourself, your instructor, and your classmates. Keep us in mind as you cook up your somethings-to-say. What would help us get more out of the readings? What could we do to help YOU get more out of the readings? What is of interest to most of us, and how can you link the readings with those interests?
Saying something doesn't mean that you merely tell us you liked or disliked something. Literature isn't a lollipop. Discussion about it isn't just saying that you wanted to spit it out or eat some more.
If you do tell us that you did or didn't like something (which is always a good place to start), you should also be prepared to offer an elaboration and discussion which goes beyond the issue of personal taste—or which takes into account the complexities and meaning of personal taste. You want to reflect on why you had the reaction you did, consider what art and literature are for, what you expect to get out of them, how you might enlarge your own tastes, understanding, and appreciation.
Ok. Hear you later.