Discussion Board
The Discussion Board (DB) is part of the core of online learning. Classroom discussion in an online environment requires the active participation of students and the instructor to create robust interaction and dialogue. Every student is expected to create an original response to the open-ended DB question as well as engage in dialogue by responding to posts created by others throughout the week. At the end of each unit, DB participation will be assessed based on both level of engagement and the quality of the contribution to the discussion.
At a minimum, each student will be expected to post an original and thoughtful response to the DB question and contribute to the weekly dialogue by responding to at least two other posts from students. The first contribution must be posted before midnight (Central Time) on Wednesday of each week. Two additional responses are required after Wednesday of each week. Students are highly encouraged to engage on the Discussion Board early and often, as that is the primary way the university tracks class attendance and participation.
The purpose of the Discussion Board is to allow students to learn through sharing ideas and experiences as they relate to course content and the DB question. Because it is not possible to engage in two-way dialogue after a conversation has ended, no posts to the DB will be accepted after the end of each unit.
Discussion Specifics:
• Of the various subjects of the humanities-history, music, religion, literature, art, architecture, and so on-with which subject do you associate the most?
• What characteristics do you think helps define you as a person and places you within a culture? (Please refer to the definition of Culture in your text to help you understand the definition of culture.)
• What does it mean to you to be part of a culture?
• Review the definition of the humanities as fashioned in the U.S. legislation forming the National Endowment for the Humanities. www.neh.gov
• What subjects are not included in the definition of the humanities? Why?