Disscusion Board 4

DISCUSSION BOARDS—REACTION PAPERS

All of the information that you will need for these assignments is under the “Discussion Info” tab on Blackboard. Please read (thoroughly) the information that details the reaction paper assignment—also under that tab. This will also give you specific information about the grading rubric that I will follow. Your paper and your comments to group members will be posted in the same way that you did your introductions.

The information that you will need for each assignment is in the same place—DB # 1 is the first assignment but all other DBs will follow the same format. I have included information that you will need to read—or view—to complete the assignment.

If you have questions, please email (but only after you have read the things mentioned above). Remember the DB assignment count a total of 120 point--they are important. Also remember that this is the only assignment that we will be doing on Blackboard—the grade, which will show 0 until I post it—will be in the Webcom grade book.

FN

Economics 2301—Reaction Paper Format

Discussion Board Guidelines:

As we listen to the current political debates there are several issues that are emerging—most of them focusing on economic issues. In all of these discussions, normative economics is at the heart of the issue, especially since 2008 and the near collapse of our economy. It is easy to feel overwhelmed by the many different “points of view” that we constantly hear in the media. With so many different opinions, it is tempting to “cover our ears” and avoid having to make up one’s own mind about these difficult questions. However, as a citizen there are certain responsibilities that we must assume. As an informed voter, opinions must be formed.

One of the difficulties in listening to opposing views on this subject is the difficulty in formulating you own opinion—who do we believe. So much of the arguments follow a liberal or conservative bent but these political divisions are not as descriptive as they once were.

In all of the Discussion Board assignments, I am asking you to look at a specific article or video and formulate your own opinion on the topic. Each discussion board will include information and (usually) video that I am asking for you to react to. After you have considered this information, I want to know your opinion, and why...this provides the basis for discussion with your group members.

Unless specified otherwise, the organizational format for your papers will be a simple response to questions (that will be provided). While you have some flexibility in the way that you complete this assignment, please consider the following:

· Your paper (response to questions) should be a minimum 500 words total and should be posted at least 3 days before the posted closing time. You are asked to use at least two outside resources, which should be listed in a simple bibliography (URL) so that others may go to those sites. Try to include the bibliography with your original posting to minimize total entries. At least two (or more) references should be included.

· Each of your responses (minimum of 2) should be at least 150 words and provide feedback for your classmates. Ideally, you should point out at least one area where you agree with his or her conclusions and one area where you may have questions. This is not intended to be argumentative but it should stimulate discussion.

After reading the information, post your paper on the Blackboard site. Remember, the DBs are the only assignments that will be done on Blackboard, although your grade will be posted in the usual Webcom grade book. You follow-up discussion postings with classmates will be entered the same way on Blackboard. The Discussion Board assignments will count 120 points in total. One minor point, your Webcom grade book score for each will show a 0 until I have entered a grade for the assignment.

Major Points About Grading

Your grade will be based upon:

· Thoroughness will be the major factor. Develop your thoughts and communicate them as clearly and succinctly as possible. This applies to your paper as well as your responses to classmates. A one or two sentence response is not a thorough answer. Do not expect a maximum grade for a minimum effort.

· Word count minimums (500 for paper and 150 each for comments to classmates) and references.

· Submission of paper at least 3 days before the closing date so that classmates have adequate time for response.

· Post all entries directly on the site--not as an attachment.

· Grading Guidelines—60% of grade based on main paper; 30% on responses to your group-mates and 10% for 2 references.

The purpose of this assignment is:

· To encourage students to develop critical thinking skills

· To effectively and persuasively communicate your own point of view

· To integrate theory and real-world application

· To be a more informed citizen and voter

Emails will be shared with classmates which is necessary for communication

Email Etiquette

Identify yourself fully. Please include full identification of which you are when you generate or reply to an email to your instructor. This should include your full name (first and last) as well as the course you are enrolled in. Most of us teach multiple sections of the class you are enrolled in, so if you want me to check on something for you, I have to know these specifics. In the subject box of every email, please type your full name, course and section number (e.g. Sue Jones. Econ 2301.8400).

With your postings, you may identify yourself to your fellow students, as you would like. However, please remember that I will be reading posts-- as well-- for evaluation so be sure that I can identify the author.

Write with civility and respect. When asking questions or making comments, do so in a respectful manner. If you are frustrated or irritated when you write the email, wait a minute to reread it asking yourself if the tone is appropriate for a student-teacher interchange or peer interchange before clicking Send. If you’re upset, write the email in Word and copy and paste it in later when you are calm enough to give it a reading with audience in mind. Everyone in this course deserves to be treated with respect--which includes students and the instructor. I have 0 tolerance for any exception.

Practice patience. I will answer emails within 24 hours of receipt Monday-Friday and often sooner. Usually I read email on the weekends, but some weekends, I will not be available. Please extend the same courtesy to classmates with your timely responses. Check email daily.

Copy yourself. IMPORTANT Send a copy of each email you write to yourself so you can be sure the email went through, and so you can resend it if there is any problem. It is your responsibility to provide a backup copy in the event of loss within the system.

Brevity. Keep emails brief and to the point.