The reaction papers are an opportunity for you to participate in the class in addition to contributing to class discussions. I will evaluate the papers on the following criteria:

The degree to which you incorporate what we have read in the course into your paper. You should demonstrate that you have read the material.
The degree to which you forward a clear argument in the paper. For instance, if you say you didnt like a specific reading in the course this isnt an argument. Rather provide reasons and support for why the article wasnt to your liking.
The degree to which you are able to demonstrate thoughtful insights into what we have read/discussed. By the end of the paper I want to be able to say to myself, huh, I hadnt thought about it that way.