Reactions to course readings and discussions usually play a prominent role in the journal as a work in progress.

The journal often turns into a major resource for the writing of essays for courses and the construction of other course-related assignments.

In turn, such coursework may then become part of the journal as a whole.

Afterthoughts on courses, especially after final essays have been written and defended orally, offer a unique opportunity to document the process of intellectual work and the effect of institutional requirements on the creative process