"The Magdalen Reading" (1445) by Rogier van der Weyden
Responses to questions on this website are designed to generate "virtual conversation." By virtual, we do not mean something that looks like conversation but isn't. Instead, we mean REAL conversation in a virtual environment--this website. And this fall, incoming first- and second-year Honors students will be engaged in the same discussion. Ten percent of each student's grade in both EQ1 and EQ3 will be based on your responses to the questions raised here.
The sort of conversation we're looking for is academic in character. Thus, your responses should consist of clear, concise statements of your ideas crafted in standard English (not text-speak!). They should be long enough to convey your thoughts, but short enough for other readers to read and respond to fairly quickly. In short, you don't want your responses to be so long that you monopolize (or kill) the conversation by going on, and on, and on.....(we all know how irritating that can be!).
Obviously, responses should not use profanity. They should be civil and respectful. People do not always agree. Responses can be critical; however, all communication is expected to be courteous and professional. Contributors' positions may be questioned; their character should not.
The object here is to reflect on some of the issues raised by the text, to connect the reading to your personal experience, and to help first- and second-year Honors students get to know each other better.
When should I begin posting my responses?
As soon as you have begin reading Think Again by Adam Grant
Obviously, responses should not use profanity. They should be civil and respectful. People do not always agree. Responses can be critical; however, all communication is expected to be courteous and professional. Contributors' positions may be questioned; their character should not.
The object here is to reflect on some of the issues raised by the text, to connect the reading to your personal experience, and to help first- and second-year Honors students get to know each other better.
When should I begin posting my responses?
As soon as you have begin reading Think Again by Adam Grant
When is this assignment due?
This writing assignment is designed to be completed before classes begin in August. Details about where and how to account for and submit your word count total will be provided in class when the semester starts.
How many questions should I respond to?
We do not expect you to respond to each question, but you should respond to several representing different sections of the book. Hopefully, by the time all the class has completed the assignment, every question will have at least one or two responses.
Are there any questions I have to answer?
Yes. The Takeaway. Only answer "The Takeaway" when you have finished reading the book.
How will you know if I have read the book? Will we be tested on it?
We won't test you. We'll trust you. These questions are not designed to show whether or not someone has read the book. They are designed to enrich your engagement with the book and with other Honors students. But if your answers somehow raise suspicions about whether you've read the book or not, you may get further questions. The main thing at stake is your Honor.
How much should I write?
Your responses should add up to a sum total of not less than 750 words. Don't try to load up all 750 words into one or two comments. You should also respond to comments left by other readers. And pose questions to other readers. (Check back later to see if anyone has responded to your comments-and respond to their responses.) All of this writing will count toward your 750-word total. Students are responsible for keeping track of their word total (eventually, we will ask you to cut and paste your responses into a Microsoft Word document, which has a word count feature). This is not just a writing assignment, though; it's a reading assignment, too. Every student is responsible for reading every word of the assigned text. Each question is linked to a particular page in the book. If you answer a question related to a particular page, you are also testifying that you have read up to that point.
Where do I post my responses?
At the bottom of each question post, you will find a "comment" link. If it has a "0" beside it, that means no one has commented yet; as more people comment, the number will go up. When you're ready to weigh in, click on the "comments" button, read any previous comments, and start writing. Please sign your posts. And use your real name--not a nickname--so we can get to know each other).
More questions?
E-mail us at sbenton@ecok.edu!
E-mail us at sbenton@ecok.edu!
