ENGL U485: Assignment Guidelines for Course Blog

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Engaging in Conversation through Blogging
 Purpose: 
1. To provide an authentic format for self-expression, reflection and response
2. To encourage active analytical reading and discussion of course texts beyond classroom discussions
3. To build a community of active, engaged readers, writers and thinkers

Assignment details: Blogs only work when sustained by an energetic (and perhaps even chaotic) community. You will both post your own written responses to our class and comment on the posts of your colleagues. You will contribute an average of once a week a response to one of that week’s course readings.  You must have at least 10 entries reflecting on readings throughout the semester, and comment on two classmates' posts for each assignment.  Individual blog entries will be posted in the course calendar and in daily assignments via BB.

Length:  Each entry must be well-developed, detailed, and thoughtful with a minimum of 300-400 words

Content: Some posts will have assigned topics; see course calendar for descriptions. Other posts will be open to any topic you wish to discuss.
Suggestions for discussion include:
  • What is your overall reaction to/opinion of the reading selection?
  • What questions or problems did you have with the reading selection?
  • What personal connection do you have with the reading selection?
  • Do you agree or disagree with the author(s) portrayal of adolescence? Why or why not?
  • How might this text relate or connect to other texts you have read?
  • What issues, characteristics and concepts related to adolescent development stem from this piece? (talking points)
Don’t skimp on content! 
Audience: Blog posts are available for viewing by everyone in the class. You should write honestly and openly about what you genuinely think and feel, but be sure that you understand who your audience is. Be courteous and respectful when making comments to other student posts.

Comments: You will comment on two of you classmates' blog posts for each book we study. Your blog comments should directly engage with the content of your colleagues’ posts. These can be short and informal, but shouldn’t be flippant. Consider these questions when composing your comments:
  • What points do you find compelling within the post?
  • What points do you disagree with?
  • What further questions does the post raise for you?
  • How did our class discussion change the way you thought about the post?
By the end of the semester, you are expected to have posted a minimum of 20 comments to your peers’ posts.

Evaluation: Blog entries will be evaluated based on the BLOG RUBRIC posted here. All entries must reflect critical thinking, community of practice, time, and effort. Each entry is worth a total of 25 points as specified in the rubric posted to BlackBoard.

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