Blog posts should be a substantive 500 – 600 words. No less than 500 words.

Posts should demonstrate an understanding of the assigned readings/viewings and the themes that connect them. They should also include direct references to specific readings, including direct quotes.

Blog posts are due Thursdays by 9pm each week. Comments will be due by Sunday 11:59pm.  You are required to comment on at least two blogs and as many as you like beyond that.

Your blogs are reflective posts that synthesize the readings, respond to the topics covered each week and provide springboards for class discussion. Each post should end with a question for your classmates to answer.

You’re writing for a blog, which is a specific style of writing. Remember that you’re writing in public. Your primary audience is your classmates, but also any member of the public that might like to participate in the discussion. Keep your style conversational and simple, but use paragraphs, proper grammar, spelling, etc.

Give the post an interesting, descriptive title. Invite us into your post.

Posts should be designed to inspire discussion – state a controversial observation, offer a set of opposing views, point out a connection others might have missed.

The most interactive and successful posts will include links to related materials – that’s what the web is all about!

Remember that the blog is public. You may use a pseudonym on the blog in order to remain anonymous if you choose. Let me know if you do.

COMMENTING

Comments should be thoughtful and reflective – they should go beyond “I agree” or “good point.” The discussions in this class aren’t about whether or not we agree with one another. Instead, try to add a new idea or new perspective to the author’s post.

Comments should be shorter than posts – but still a good 100-200 words in length (a substantive paragraph). Failure to comment on your peer’s blogs results in an automatic 1.5 point deduction.

HOW-TO

Once you’ve accepted the author invitation for the blog, you’ll be able to post. Go to WORDPRESS LOGIN (https://wordpress.com/log-in/) and log in. Once inside, you should see the “My Sites” link in the top left corner. Choose our blog, click “Posts” and “Add New” in the left hand side bar. That’s it. Start posting 🙂

Each blog is worth a maximum of 3 points.

Here is a tutorial to familiarize yourself with the BLOCK EDITOR which is HOW you will compose your posts.