The goal of the discussion board is to allow more thorough and more informal discussion of the reading and the material covered in class and to practice writing about issues that do not have one right answer. If you need help learning to use the system don't hesitate to ask. There will be a new discussion topic on the system at least once a week. Your participation in this system will be graded primarily on the basis on quantity so that you can feel free to say whatever is on your mind that is relevant to the course material under discussion. Grammar and spelling do not matter so long as your point is clear.
Controversy is encouraged.
You will be graded on the quality and quantity of the notes you write. The quantity grade is 7 points for each note you write to a maximum of 100 points. The quantity grade may be adjusted on the basis of quality and notes of less than 6 lines will normally not be counted. For the group project the class will divide up into groups, each group taking responsibility for one of the topics after spring break. If a group wants to propose to take on a topic scheduled for before spring break that would also be possible.