HUMANITIES 16: ARTS, IDEAS & VALUES, Summer '09

HUMANITIES 16: ARTS, IDEAS & VALUES

SYLLABUS FIRST PAGE: THE BASICS

INSTRUCTOR: Elizabeth Bresnan

TO CONTACT YOUR INSTRUCTOR SEND A CATALYST MESSAGE. Instructor checks messages 2x daily Monday-Friday and at least once daily on most weekend days. During the first 2 weeks of classes she checks in more frequently. Under normal circumstances you can expect a reply to your catalyst message within 36 hours, and usually less than that.

I COURSE DESCRIPTION: 4 UNITS

Interdisciplinary introduction to artistic cultural studies. Critical analysis of the dynamic process through which contemporary social constructions of gender, ethnicity, sexual orientation, social class, religion and globalization shape and have been shaped by artistic expression. Special emphasis is placed on art as a tool for social change.

THIS CLASS IS NOT SELF-PACED:

STUDENTS MUST SUBMIT ASSIGNMENTS, TAKE TESTS AND PARTICIPATE IN FORUM DISCUSSIONS AS ASSIGNED/SCHEDULED.

FAILURE TO TAKE ANY TEST OR SUBMIT ANY ASSIGNMENT OR PARTICIPATE REGULARLY IN DISCUSSION FORUM (AS SCHEDULED OR ASSIGNED) WILL LIKELY RESULT IN A GRADE OF F (FAILED) FOR THE COURSE.

DO NOT JUST ABANDON THE COURSE OR YOU WILL GET A GRADE OF F. IT IS THE STUDENT'S RESPONSIBILITY TO OFFICIALLY DROP THE CLASS BY THE DEADLINES POSTED IN SCHEDULE OF CLASSES OR ON COLLEGE WEBSITE. Students who stop participating in the class will be blocked from access to the Catalyst site. However this does not mean they have been dropped from the course.

Advisory:

English Writing 100B and Reading 100 (or Language Arts 100)

English as a Second Language 172 AND 173

There are essays required in this class. Students must be able to express themselves coherently in writing. Grading on essays reflect college level expectations for a minimum number of errors of grammar, punctuation and spelling.

Computer access and email are REQUIRED:

Students need a personal email account and frequent, regular, reliable access to a computer. This Distance Learning class and all communications with the instructor are conducted entirely online using the Catalyst server.

2 COURSE GOALS & OBJECTIVES

This class will be an exploration of the arts, ideas and values of the last 100 years and contemporary 'American' culture as it has developed and continues adapting to the global community. Students will analyze and interpret a variety of examples in literature, philosophy, and artistic expression to learn how they create meaning and how they reflect values within a variety of contemporary cultural contexts.

The content of the course has been selected to deal with ideas and works of art over the period of the last century. The class readings and assignments are designed to help students develop familiarity with important ideas and to practice skills in analyzing, understanding and appreciating a variety of different philosophical and artistic concepts. Students will make selections from a variety of art exhibits, works of fiction, feature length films, live performances, and more. This flexibility allows students to tailor the course content to their own interests: the more interested you are, the more you will learn. TWO (2) structured written analysis assignments guide students to a deeper understanding of the works selected.

Objectives

1 Apply key ideas from readings on historical context, evolution of ideas, expression of values and beliefs.

2 Analyze assumptions, implications of ideas and values. Make comparisons and connections.

3 Analyze structure and technique of various art forms and how they contribute to meaning.

4 Identify and interpret ideas and values expressed or reflected in the arts.

5 Cultivate personal awareness, understanding and appreciation for artistic expression of ideas and values.

3 THERE IS ONE REQUIRED TEXT:

THE HUMANITIES: CULTURE, CONTINUITY & CHANGE. Book 6 only

by Henry Sayre. Pearson Prentice Hall, published 2008.

An additional optional text will be posted on the Catalyst web site.

4 GET STARTED ON THE RIGHT FOOT:

COMPLETE REQUIREMENTS FOR FIRST WEEK

Complete the following items before and/or during the first week of class.

1 COMPLETE REQUIRED DAC DISTANCE LEARNING ORIENTATION (online), on the first day of classes, if not sooner. Access to the Online Orientation is available during the week prior to first day of classes. Go to DAC Distance Learning website for link to Orientation. Students who wish to ADD the course are also required to complete Orientation, or they will be dropped.

Complete the entire Orientation, even if you have taken distance-learning classes in the past. The last part contains critical information you need: how to login to Catalyst, how to obtain your user name and password and more. The instructor does not assign user names or passwords, or respond to inquiries that are answered in Orientation.

2 PURCHASE REQUIRED TEXTBOOK. You need text immediately. The weekly schedule of reading assignments appears on Catalyst calendar in weekly assignment blocks.

3 LOGIN TO Catalyst. BECOME FAMILIAR WITH SITE & FEATURES. Access to Catalyst will not be available until afternoon of first day of classes. Surf our virtual classroom: Check out all the links, notice how information is organized and labeled, and where to find it. Locate and read the following important links listed below. Notice the QUESTION MARKS INSIDE YELLOW CIRCLES, which are helpful tips and explanations, and they are context sensitive. If your question is not answered you can always choose the HELP INDEX.

4 READ WELCOME MESSAGE, SYLLABUS and COURSE POLICIES on Catalyst.

Read these items carefully. They explain student responsibilities, course expectations and standards for grading. Students are responsible for understanding the information and submitting assignments as instructed.

5 NOTE CATALYST CALENDAR WITH DUE DATES & TEST DATES

Don't let the grass grow, keep up with the weekly reading and requirements. Missing any one of them will result in being dropped from the class or a failing grade for the course, depending on the date.

Refer to the Catalyst Calendar: Due Dates & Times for the following:

Personal Profile due Week 1. See assignment on Catalyst for details and requirements.

Film Analysis

Visual Art Analysis

Test 1

Test 2

Test 3

SUMMER SESSION GOES VERY QUICKLY, DOUBLE SPEED OF REGULAR QUARTER. This is one of the biggest problems for summer students: They lose track of upcoming test dates, due dates. By the time they remember to check in, they are already too far behind.

6 INTRODUCE YOURSELF TO CLASSMATES ON THE APPROPRIATE FORUM & SUBMIT YOUR PERSONAL PROFILE ASSIGNMENT.

7 COMMUNICATIONS, QUESTIONS & ASSIGNMENTS MUST BE ON CATALYST

Do not send email to instructor’s college email address. Use Catalyst features for all communications, whether public (Forums) or private (Messages). Do not automatically send questions to instructor. See chapter titled "About Forums."

8 DISCUSSION FORUM

You must contribute weekly. A minimum of 5 contributions must be worthy of credit and cannot be posted in same week. The same is true of 5 responses. There has been a tendency to post at the end of the week in order to get credit. As a result, there can be 50+ posts in one day but no one reads them. Therefore due dates for posting are distributed over 7 calendar days as assigned by instructor (See catalyst.)

5 ONGOING COURSE REQUIREMENTS FOR SUCCESS

1 Be prepared to spend AT LEAST 12 HOURS PER WEEK studying the materials during a normal 12-week quarter. (Expect 24 hours during a 6-week summer session.) This course is worth 4-quarter units, so, obviously, it requires effort equivalent to a 4 unit campus-based class. Some students are under the mistaken impression that distance learning requires less work because students do not have to attend class. In fact, most students need to plan additional time for online courses, as compared to classroom courses.

The most important factor with regard to success in college is the student's commitment of adequate study time. (It is NOT intelligence/IQ or test taking ability!!!) The second most important factor in distance learning is the student's ability to organize, manage and realistically schedule their time in accordance with their own abilities: consider other college classes, employment obligations, family obligations, and personal study skills. There are still only 24 hours in a day, and you must sleep, eat, and have at least some time for relaxation to rest and refresh your mind.

2 Complete weekly reading, study questions. Most of the reading is found in required text, although there may be some assigned readings on the Internet. Use the links to "ONLINE STUDY TOOLS" for each chapter in the text: You will find chapter objectives, chapter outlines, study questions, vocabulary and pronunciation guide, self-tests, links to relevant information. Using the study tools with the reading is an excellent way to improve your performance on tests. Test questions are taken from the questions online, sometimes with a few revisions.

3 Complete 2 WRITTEN EXERCISES on different art forms, as assigned, with passing grade.

4 Pass 3 TESTS on the reading assigned.

5 Read and Participate in FORUMS (online discussions) by posting meaningful and thoughtful contributions, as assigned, and by responding thoughtfully to the postings of one other students. See chapters on Grading and Forum for specific requirements.

6 Login to CATALYST AT LEAST 2-3 times/week to check news, updates, announcements, and messages and to participate in discussion FORUM with other class members.

7 Use CATALYST MESSAGING for all communications with instructor. Do not use instructor's college email address.

8 THE CLASS IS NOT SELF-PACED.

Students will RECEIVE A GRADE OF F FOR THE COURSE if they do not submit ALL analysis assignments on time, take ALL tests as scheduled, and participate WEEKLY in online discussion forums.

6 ADDS, DROPS, AND Ws:

ADMINISTRATIVE OFFICIALDOM & PAPER-PUSHING

IT IS THE STUDENTS RESPONSIBILITY TO DROP THE COURSE. Students who stop participating during the first 3 weeks could be dropped by instructor. Students who stop participating at any time may discover that they have been blocked from the Catalyst course web site. This does NOT mean they have been officially dropped. Be aware of college deadlines to drop classes. The registrar's office has a policy of no exceptions for any reason and I cannot help you if you miss the deadline. It is much easier to maintain a good GPA if you take a W rather than F for a course grade.

DROPS

MAY BE INITIATED BY STUDENT, COLLEGE, or INSTRUCTOR:

Be considerate of other students. If you decide to drop the class, do it immediately, so that waitlisted students can be added in your place. Be aware of the following key dates, which are noted on your Schedule of Classes, DAC website and Catalyst calendar.

Last day to drop for refund

Last day to drop with no record of grade

Last day to change Pass/Fail (See registrar, instructor cannot do this.)

Last day to drop with W

"W" MEANS 'Withdrawal':

It is the responsibility of the student (not the instructor), to officially drop a class via phone, Internet or in person at registrar's office up until the last day to drop a class with a W. See Schedule of Classes or college website for procedure and details.)

Catalyst Course Management software tracks student activity online Three tests, two written analyses and participation in online FORUM discussions are requirements of the course. Students who stop participating may discover that instructor has blocked their access to Catalyst web site. However, this is not an official drop. It remains your responsibility to officially drop the class.

After the last date to drop with a W, student MUST be graded based on accumulated points, which can result in a grade of D or F. The registrar will not allow the instructor to submit a grade of W on behalf of a student after the deadline.

2 The college registrar drops students if they do not pay fees by deadline. To make arrangements for deferred payments (described in Schedule of Classes or on college website), contact registrar. If you think you might qualify for assistance, immediately visit website for Financial Aid Office:

http://www.deanza.edu/financialaid

3 The instructor reserves the right to drop any enrolled student who does not login to Catalyst web site by the morning of the third day of classes, in order to add a student from the waitlist. (This is equivalent to 'No Show' for an on-campus class.) If you encounter a problem, double check that you are using proper login as instructed on login page. Even if you were a Catalyst student in prior quarters, you might need to login as new student.

7 ADDING THE CLASS & ADD CODES:

ALL REQUIREMENTS MUST BE MET

1 Students who are on the official waitlist must request an add code. Instructor will email ADD codes to students only in response to their email request. No phone requests. Students must officially register by phone, Internet or at registrar's office within 24 hours of receiving add code, or instructor can reassign the vacant spot to the next student on the waitlist. During business hours Monday through Friday, your access to Catalyst is usually enabled within a 3-4 hours after officially adding the class. Be aware that ADDS are not processed between Friday afternoon and Monday morning. So don’t delay processing the ADD code as soon as you receive it.

2 Students who add the class must complete the Distance Learning Online Orientation.

3 All students must pay fees according to college policy (or arrangements made with Financial Aid), or the registrar will drop them from classes and/or block student attempts to add a class.

5 A student dropped from class for non-payment of fees or any other reason, can request to be added to the bottom of the waitlist to receive an add code- if space is available, at instructor's discretion.

8 GRADES & Extra Credit:

(ALSO SEE COURSE POLICIES DOCUMENT on Catalyst server.)

Points are assigned and weighted as follows. Any additional extra credit is available at instructor discretion and will consist of additional questions on the tests.

Points

5 BRIEF INTRO to other students.

5 A PERSONAL PROFILE (for instructor eyes only) See assignment for items that should be included.

30 Two ANALYSES EXERCISES @ 0-15 Points each. Requirements are spelled out in detail. Read them.

30 Three OPEN BOOK TESTS @ 0-15 Points each

30 Five (minimum) QUALIFIED FORUM postings plus 5 QUALIFIED Responses (minimum) to other postings

100 TOTAL POINTS POSSIBLE

100 PTS= 100%

For grading scale, see "MY GRADES" on Catalyst front page.

POINT PENALTY FOR LATE ASSIGNMENTS: Your assignments are due at 10:00PM, however you have a grace period until 11:55 PM without penalty. Don't wait until the last minute.

SUBMISSIONS ARE PENALIZED 10% FOR EACH DAY LATE UP TO 3 DAYS

(i.e., 2 days late = 20 % penalty.)

ABSOLUTELY NO LATE WORK WILL BE ACCEPTED AFTER 3 DAYS. NO EXCEPTIONS.

COMPUTER PROBLEMS OR ISP CONNECTION PROBLEMS WILL NOT BE AN ACCEPTABLE EXCUSE FOR NOT COMPLETING A TEST OR ASSIGNMENT ON TIME. If you have ISP or computer problems, go to DAC, a public library, Internet cafe or a friend's house to take your test or submit your assignment on time. Remember to take your Catalyst ID and password. For tests, remember to take your book and notes.

ASSIGNMENTS MUST BE PROPERLY SUBMITTED ON CATALYST BY 11:55PM or they are considered late. Written assignments must be submitted in the following formats:

.doc and .docx are preferred

.txt or .rtf formats are also acceptable if you cannot do .doc or .docx

Do not submit .wps files. I cannot read them- they are gibberish

(If you do not understand what this paragraph refers to, find someone to help you: You are responsible for knowing this information.)

If you re-submit an assignment, Catalyst automatically erases the previous submission. The date/time of previous submission is also erased. (When date and time of submission change, it could result in missed due date (and late penalty, if applicable.)

IMPROPER FORM OR ERRORS IN SUBMISSION DO NOT COUNT AS "ON TIME" AND WILL NOT BE GRADED. Double check after you submit to ensure that you did so correctly. Open the submission to verify that you did not post an empty file. Your time/day submitted will register when you submit. Incorrect submissions do not appear so be sure you follow Catalyst instructions and then VERIFY that you did it correctly. You will lose points for late submissions, or worse yet, if over 3 days late, you will not get credit at all. IT IS ESSENTIAL THAT YOU DOUBLE CHECK THAT YOUR FILE UPLOADED CORRECTLY.

9 ONLINE LEARNING TOOLS: MyHumanitiesKit

The textbook publisher has created a website of online learning tools called, MyHumanitiesKit. If you purchased a new book with an access code you have the instructions on how to obtain access to the site. If you bought a used book or a book that does not include the access to MyHumanitiesKit, you have the option to purchase access code from the publisher. (Approx $25-30.00) It is up to you to decide if you wish to do so.

For each chapter the online 'kit' contains an Intro, Chapter Outline, Glossary, and Flashcards. To review and test yourself you can take a Self-Quiz that includes the Multiple Choice, True/False and Fill-in Questions. (Don't bother sending the Self-Quiz results to me because I do not keep them: They are for your benefit.)

The test questions on your test are similar to the Self-Quiz- questions in MyHumanitiesKit. For this reason, I have posted the Self-Quiz Qs for each chapter on the Catalyst site, so that no student would be at a financial disadvantage when it comes to test prep.

The Essay Questions and Critical Thinking Questions on the publisher website can generate some very good ideas for thoughtful posting on Forum. The site also has Links to a great variety of interesting websites related to the chapter topics, events, ideas, artists, authors, and musicians. That kind of information can make your study more interesting and therefore more successful. The more you learn, the more interesting the topic becomes. And vice versa.

When preparing for tests, ask yourself why a particular artist or style or movement is significant, influential, innovative or unique. Why it is worthy of study in an introductory Humanities class? What did you learn from it? Your tests do not focus on MERELY remembering an artist name or the title of the work. But they may ask you about characteristics of the artist style, the influences, the philosophy or values inherent in the work.

10 ABOUT THE OPEN BOOK TESTS:

It would be unrealistic to ask students to take a closed book test at home. Therefore, tests are open book, but with a time limit for completion. You must still do the same preparation for the test, as if it was closed book, if you want to answer questions in the time allotted. The time for the test is not adequate if you have not done all the same test prep expected for a closed book test. In other words, prepare as if it is a closed book test, if you hope to get a passing grade.

Tests are objective and consist of about 10 questions per chapter. Questions include true/false, multiple choice, fill in the blank, and short answer (couple of sentences to a paragraph). There are no long essay questions. Many test questions are similar (but not necessarily identical) to the online study tools provided by the publisher, which are also provided on Catalyst. A quick test prep exercise: take the online tests and see how you do.

The important information below is the same for every test.

It is printed here for your convenience. It is also printed on each test.

INSTRUCTIONS FOR TAKING TESTS:

JUST TAKE THE TEST, NOTHING MORE:

-Quit all other applications.

-Do not log out of the test or disconnect, after you begin.

-Do not open any new/additional or unnecessary windows on your screen.

-Do not try to copy, save or print the questions or the answers. (DU-UH)

-Do not try to copy/paste fill-in-the-blank questions. Just type out the answer.

-Do not take the test on wireless connection unless it is absolutely necessary. You may not be successful.

-Do not try to share access to the test or share the screen with another computer.

-Don't wait until the last minute to submit your answers or you may be too late.

-All of the above result in a score of zero. There is no makeup test for any reason.

Additionally-

-Size the window before you start the test. If you try to re-size after you begin the test, you will have to keep re-adjusting, which is really slow and consumes quite a bit of the allocated test time.

-Read instructions carefully and turn off pop-up blocker software.

-Submit your answers several (2-3) times during the test to be extra cautious.

-If you are ACCIDENTALLY disconnected, just login again IMMEDIATELY. If you deliberately disconnect and/or if you delay login you will get a score of zero.)

-When the test is over, you will be rudely cutoff. Don't panic. There is no polite acknowledgment from Catalyst thanking you for your efforts. Just log off catalyst when you are done.

Finally, don't wait until the last minute:

Internet and computers occasionally develop HAIRBALLS without prior warning, so allow plenty of time before the deadline to complete your test. If you have computer or ISP troubles, borrow a friend's computer, go to the library or an Internet cafe. Don't use wireless, it has caused problems in previous quarters. (Take along with you: the Catalyst URL, your name/password, your textbooks and notes.)

HOW TO STUDY AND PREPARE FOR TESTS

When preparing for tests, ask yourself why a particular artist or style or movement is significant, influential, innovative or unique. Why it is worthy of study in an introductory Humanities class? What did you learn from it? Your tests do not focus on linking an artist name to the title of the work. But they may ask you about characteristics of the artist style.

11 ABOUT THE WRITTEN ANALYSIS ASSIGNMENTS

These may include a film analysis, an analysis of character in a novel, an analysis of an art object based on a personal visit to local museum, or analysis of a stage performance of drama or dance. The exercises are structured to ensure that all relevant points are covered but there is room for creativity as well, as long as you accomplish the objective. Be sure to read requirements carefully. Do not assume you know what is required. ASSIGNMENTS & MEDIA VARY BY QUARTER.

Each exercise is different so read the assignments carefully BEFORE you watch a film, read the novel or go to the museum or play. Detailed instructions and a very structured approach make it possible for students to achieve and exceed the objectives, even if they have never done such an analysis before.

Be sure to read the chapter in COURSE POLICIES (in Catalyst) about proper format and submission of assignments. If they are not properly submitted, you will receive late penalty until problem is corrected.

GRADES ON WRITTEN ASSIGNMENTS are calculated as follows:

80% Content:

All Qs are answered completely and thoroughly. Supporting information and/or examples are appropriate and fully explained. Superficial and/or broad generalizations are not sufficient. You must be specific and explain your answer. Depth is preferred over breadth: thoughtful, original observations and insightful comments are evidence of higher order thinking. Stating the obvious is not. Not every question carries the same weight in your grade. Some questions are worth more points than others because they demonstrate a higher level of thinking and analysis.

10% Organization & Clarity:

Make your thesis clear and specific so the reader knows where you are going. Specific evidence and/or examples should support your thesis. Edit out irrelevant and/or repetitious material.

10% Form:

Proofread carefully for grammar, punctuation, spelling. Be sure that tenses agree and they are consistent. Titles of movies, books, plays should be underlined with first letter of key words capitalized. Don't combine quote marks " " with underline.

If you struggle with written assignments, there are many tools available to help you improve your skills. Ask the Reference Desk librarian at DAC Library for some recommendations for writing guides (Library is also called Robert DeHart Learning Center). I like the first 2 chapters in Robert Di Yanni, Writing about the Humanities, for ideas on how to get started, how to generate ideas if you get stuck, and some of the basic elements of different media.

The Writing and Reading Center (WRC) in AT (Advanced Technology) Building on campus is also a great resource for enrolled DAC students. They conduct small group workshops as well as individual tutoring. Call ahead- you may need an appointment during busy periods. Check the DAC website for more information.

12 ABOUT DISCUSSION FORUMS: 'Virtual' CLASS PARTICIPATION:

THINK ABOUT THE FORUM AS A VIRTUAL CLASS DISCUSSION. Sitting silently in classroom throughout the quarter does not earn points for class participation. The same is true for Forum.

YOU ARE EXPECTED TO READ ALL OF THE POSTS ON FORUM.

It is equivalent to paying attention to discussion in the classroom.

MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS EARN GRADE OF C ON FORUM. Quality Determines Points Earned:

MAKE 5 POSTINGS (worthy of credit) IN 5 DIFFERENT WEEKS & MAKE 5 RESPONSES (worthy of credit) TO POSTINGS BY OTHER STUDENTS. There will be many topics in each chapter so that you will not have to worry about repeating each other. However, you are graded on the quality of the postings, not on quantity. Don't expect to get full credit for doing a vast quantity of postings that are trivial or "light." . Thoughtful, insightful comments earn points.

POST IN PROPER FORUM & CORRECT THE SUBJECT LINE so that it is reflective of your content.

Catalyst delays publishing your post for 60 minutes before it appears online, which gives you a chance to add, edit, or delete content, or correct the subject line if the topic has strayed from original. Don't post the same thing twice: Wait 60 minutes AND refresh your screen before you assume it didn’t work.

STUDENTS ARE EXPECTED TO HELP EACH OTHER.

I do not immediately respond to questions when other students can be helpful. I expect class members to help each other out. When I see erroneous info posted as fact, I will notify the student to correct it. Please don't abuse the good will of other students: do your own homework- search for the answers before you post a question. A student who makes a habit of posting questions when the information is already available will see points deducted from their grade.

POSTINGS ARE VARIED, WHICH MAKES FORUM INTERESTING. Remember, this is our class discussion!

Posts may be conversational, light-hearted, passionate or opinionated, and sometimes off topic. No doubt they will reflect the personality of the class. Remember that the forum is a virtual class discussion: some of the posts are thoughtful and insightful, some are superficial, some are deliberately humorous. Some posts reveal that the student didn't do the reading or doesn’t understand the material, or is posting a trivial comment just for the sake of trying to get points. If a student makes a sincere effort to interpret a work, and you disagree, say so. Post your own interpretation with supporting rationale. And do it in a civil manner. Students who make a habit of posting off topic will not earn points. Remember, this is a class discussion.

Please read the COURSE POLICIES document on Netiquette, for expectations and proper use of the online discussions forums.

HOW TO PARTICIPATE SUCCESSFULLY AND EARN POINTS

Remember: The objective is to learn through your own study and to contribute to group learning. Quality counts.

- Posts should be timely- relevant to the current week's reading assignment. No credit for hanging out in old material.

- Credit is based on quality; it is not automatic.

The only postings that will receive credit are those that make meaningful contributions to group learning. This requires thoughtful comment.

- Contribute weekly.

A minimum of 5 contributions must be worthy of credit and cannot be posted in same week. The same is true of responses. You are encouraged to post frequently- above and beyond the minimum required. (Don't expect that every post will be deeply profound and receive full credit.)

-Post early in the week you are assigned.

There has been a tendency in some classes to post at the end of the week. As a result, there can be 50-60+ posts in 1-2 days and no one reads them because there are so many. Therefore students will be assigned different days of the week as deadlines for their posting.

Some suggestions for good posts include:

- Thoughtful reflections on artist/author’s underlying beliefs, idea, values or assumptions if/when they are not obvious.

- Meaningful comparisons of the artist’s’/author’s ideas, values or intentions.

- Synthesis of information from multiple disciplines.

- Thoughtful reflection on how historical ideas continue to play out in 21st century.

- Additional background information relevant to the course content (i.e., from another class, another culture or country, or your own experience, travel or reading). Cultural comparisons enlighten everyone so please contribute your relevant experiences with other cultures, artistic conventions, social values, etc.

The instructor's judgment about the point value of a forum posting will prevail, and it is not negotiable. However, if you think I may have missed a good contribution, you can certainly direct me to whatever I missed.

The following postings DO NOT earn points.

But sometimes they are appropriate (and you will see them)!

- STATEMENTS MERELY EXPRESSING PERSONAL PREFERENCES. Be careful with this. Everyone has likes and dislikes, even children, but they don't necessarily contribute to learning. Remember: Our objective is to learn how to better understand the various arts- how to look/read, how to ask questions, how to dig for the underlying meaning. To dismiss something because it is not your own personal taste or preference usually closes the door on learning how to understand it. In addition to not qualifying as a college level discussion, reading 50-60 personal like/dislike postings every week gets boring.

- COURTESY COMMENTS are often appropriate (i.e., "thank you" or “your comment was very helpful to me because…”). There are wonderful, interesting, unique and individual people in the class, not a bunch of robots. It is appropriate to acknowledge a post that helped you to understand or see a different point of view. So- Do post acknowledgements, but be aware that they usually don't earn points.

- "I AGREE WITH ..."

Might be appropriate, adds a personal touch. But adds no value to learning process, earns no points

- HUMOROUS COMMENTS.

Let's have fun too. These are fine, and hopefully they are funny too. We don't have to be somber and dull.

- TRIVIAL & SUPERFICIAL COMMENTS:

QUALITY COUNTS!

You may see an abundance of trivial comments from some students, but don't assume they meet expectations or get credit. THINK before you post if you want it to be interesting, insightful and/or thoughtful. Those ideas may not just pop into your head because you happen to be online.

- REPEATING OR SUMMARIZING WHAT IS IN THE BOOK

No value added. Everyone should be reading the book anyway.

- ANSWERS TO STUDY QUESTIONS.

Boring. Nobody reads them.

- ANY COMMENTS NOT IN YOUR OWN WORDS.

If you merely copy or paraphrase without crediting a source, you are plagiarizing.

- FULL TEXT COPIES OF AN ARTICLE.

Don't post the entire article. Instead provide the URL/internet link. However, you must write a good synthesis, summary or explanation. In addition, indicate what you think is important enough that the entire class should read it. (If it is useful, insightful you can earn points.)

- PERSONAL OPINIONS THAT ARE NOT SUPPORTED.

Remember, this is a college class, and a college level discussion is expected. Even children have opinions. Put aside your personal preferences and try to understand more about the content (meaning, significance) and context (political, economic, philosophical milieu in which it was created). Support your position with evidence and/or rational argument. PRACTICE YOUR CRITICAL THINKING SKILLS.

end