due thursday 10AM

Week 2 Forum: Historic American and Global Works
 

With this forum, you are to discuss one (1) of the “Historical American Works” or one (1) of the “Historic Global Works” listed in the “Supplemental Readings” section of the course lessons. This discussion will help you prepare for your essay on one of these arguments due during the next section of this course (week three).

In your discussion, state the purpose of the reading and cite the thesis statement (if applicable). If there is no explicit thesis, state the reading’s claim. Then, lay out the structure of the reading to the class, and let the class know if this structure is organized and logical (you may claim that it is not organized – it’s up to you). Let the reader know how this method of organization helps or does not help the author’s purpose. Then, discuss the style of writing – does the style help the author prove his/her point? Finally, study the introduction and conclusion of your chosen reading. Explain how the author ‘hooks’ the reader in, or, conversely, if the introduction is not strong, explain why. Discuss the conclusion of the essay as well, and point out its strengths and weaknesses. Please answer these questions fully in your response (use thoughtful sentences).

Be careful with your essay choice. Most likely, you will want to use this work for your essay due next week. In addition, remember that the more effort you put into your discussion, the more prepared you will be to write your Critical Evaluation essay.

In your responses, find a student who chose a different essay than yours. Do you agree with your classmate’s interpretation of that essay? Did your classmate pick out the correct thesis statement/claim?  Some of the essays are rather tricky and incorporate satire.  Did your classmate pick up on the essay’s satirical elements in his/her response?  Your goal in your responses is to help your classmate strengthen his/her interpretation of the essay.

Instructions:

As stated in the rubric attached to each forum under “Full Description,”  one initial post of approximately 200 words and two peer responses (focusing on their initial post content) of at least 150 words each (following the parameters of originality, content, relevance, advancement of forum, etc.) correspond  to a C grade.  

A fourth forum response that meets the above standards will earn an additional 12 points, bringing that week’s forum grade to a B. A fifth forum response that meets the above standards will earn an additional 12 points, bringing that  week’s forum grade to an A.