Discussion

HIEU 201

Discussion Board Forum Instructions

Purpose:

· The purpose of this assignment is to foster communication and discussion within the class regarding specific topics.

· The instructor will open the discussion with an introductory post and will close with summative comments. Make sure that you read the introductory post before starting your own thread and take the time to read over summative comments as well.

Requirements: Thread (50% of overall score)

· The thread must be 200–350 words and must be posted before the first deadline. See course syllabus for late policy in the Discussion Board Forum.

· The first deadline for the discussion is 11:59 p.m. (ET) the Thursday of the assigned modules/weeks.

· While the tone of the discussion forum is informal, allowing for contractions and first/second person pronouns, this first post must be written in essay format with clear paragraphs (if more than 1) and a strong argument, offering analysis of the topic.

· Use the assigned sources for each discussion to provide support for your argument. See below for providing proper citation in the Discussion Board Forum.

· Keep your quotations brief and properly cite them with parenthetical citations.

· Example: According to the textbook, the Bible contains “factual errors, imprecisions[sic], discrepancies, legends and folklore,” (36) but this view is contradicted by Paul Maier.

· Make sure you give proper credit for summarized and paraphrased details. Formal citations are not necessary, but make sure your readers know where your information is coming from.

· Example: Perry and the other editors of the textbook view the Bible as a somewhat reliable source for history students but still see it as just another compilation of legends, myths, and religious beliefs.

Requirements: Replies (Participation, 50% of overall score)

· Check the Discussion Board Forum regularly, especially over the weekend.

· Post a minimum of 3 replies to 3 different classmates, responding to their thread and engaging them in a conversation (see below for tips). Replies must be a minimum of 75–150 words.

· All posts must be courteous and have appropriate language.

· Respond to comments posted to your thread, especially questions and challenges.

· Do not post all replies on the same day and do not bookend posts (posting at the beginning and end). Your thread and replies must span at least 3 different days, but you can post more often.

· Note that the best discussion posts are those that encourage participation and further dialogue on the topic and engage in actual dialogue with others.

Grading:

· Meeting the minimum requirements will only result in minimum grades. Grades will be assigned based on such things as the quality of your participation in the discussion, analysis and defense of your argument, attempts at fostering dialogue, etc. Posting a thread and 3 replies does not automatically mean you will make an A on this assignment.

· Personal attacks, unkind words, profanity and other vulgar forms of communication will not be tolerated. The instructor can delete such posts at his/her own discretion and require you to rewrite your posts. Consider Ephesians 5:4—“Let there be no filthiness nor foolish talk nor crude joking, which are out of place, but instead let there be thanksgiving”—as well as Ephesians 4:29 and 31–32—“Let no corrupting talk come out of your mouths, but only such as is good for building up, as fits the occasion, that it may give grace to those who hear….Let all bitterness and wrath and anger and clamor and slander be put away from you, along with all malice. Be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, as God in Christ forgave you.”

Tips for Participation:

· “I like what you said,” “That’s a good comment,” and “I disagree with your comment,” can be a beginning, but these are not sufficient for real dialogue and interaction.

· Avoid purely grading comments such as “you’re writing style is very clear,” or “I like how you explained XYZ.” While encouraging comments can and should be included, you need to also include more substance.

· Encourage dialogue with others by explaining why you agree/disagree with their argument. Challenge opinions and arguments (in a professional and Christ-like manner) and use open-ended questions. Do not just support your side but leave room for them to respond.

· Offer additional support for an argument that you agree with and make sure that your challenges also include support.

· Posts must give evidence of serious critical engagement of the material.

Remember, the purpose of this assignment is to engage in critical thinking and serious discussion. This can only be done when you take the time to engage classmates, reply to their threads as well as comments on your thread, ask and answer questions, and (in general) be open to cyber-talking.

“Whatever you do, work heartily, as for the Lord and not for men, knowing that from the Lord you will receive the inheritance as your reward. You are serving the Lord Christ” (Colossians 3:23–24, NKJV).

Page 1 of 3