Unit 9 - Semiotics/Communication Perspectives

Dear Author Activity

For Units 7, 8 , and 9 instead of addressing specific discussion questions on the Blackboard Discussion Board and in your Course Journal, you will participate in a "Dear Author" activity using the Discussion Board. Please post your initial letter no later than Thursday, February 26.

You will be paired with another class member for this activity. I will post and send you the pairings this week.

Steps:
1. Select one of the readings in Units 7, 8, or 9 (pick any of the readings). If you could ask the author of this reading a question about it, what question(s) would you ask?

2. Now, compose a short letter to the "author" of the reading (the person you are paired with). Start your letter with a brief summary of what you learned from the article. Next, include the question(s) you want answered by the "author". Note that in writing this letter you are addressing the letter to the author of the reading. Please convey questions that pertain to the subject matter and will assist you in your learning about the topic. Please post your initial letter on Blackboard Discussion Board no later than Thursday, February 26.

3. Next, read the letter written by the person you are paired with. You will assume the role of the "author" of the reading and respond to the letter answering the question(s) as best you can. If you find the question not clear, write back. It is doubtful that you will be able to accomplish all this in one Blackboard thread. However, be sure to initally respond to the letter no later than Tuesday, March 2.

4. Read and review the reply to your letter carefully. If significant questions remain or you disagree with the author's answer, reply to it with your comments no later than Thursday, March 4.

5. Feel free to read the letters and replies posted by other class members.

Feel free to be creative and have fun with this activity!