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Graded Class Discussion Instructions

Discussion topics are posted on the Discussion page of Blackboard (Bb). To enter this page, click the Discussion tab on the left side of the screen and scroll down to the topic listed for the specified week. If the class is broken into discussion groups, locate the appropriate discussion topic by both week and group number. After reading the discussion topic, you may either compose your response on Bb or compose your response in a word processing program and cut-and-paste it into Bb. To post your response, click the discussion topic and then the Add New Thread button at the top of the screen. Once you have complete your response, click the Submit button at the bottom of the screen. To read another student's comments, click the discussion topic and then the title of the student's response. To respond to another student's comments, click the Reply button at end of their comments.

Responses to discussion topics will be graded on their thoughtfulness, clarity, courtesy to other students, and the degree to which they reflect an engagement with the reading, lectures, and other students' comments. I am more interested that you consider and honestly express your thoughts about a discussion topic than that you have the "right" answer. I strongly encourage you to respond to comments made by fellow students. Each graded comment should be roughly 100 to 300 words. One graded comment per week is intended as a bare minimum. Of course, you may enter the discussion multiple times and post as many comments as you like. You may also enter "extra" comments under the same topic. Only responses posted during the week the discussion topic is assigned (Monday-Sunday) will receive full credit.

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