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Dr. DeRochi                                   
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CRTW 201

As we’ve discussed, this semester we are going to take advantage of Facebook and create individual “blogs” to help us all connect our critical thinking course to the "real world." This is intended to be a fun exercise for everyone, as each of you will choose to "blog" on whatever subject you choose, adding links to podcasts, music, articles--whatever you think appropriate. 

How to Get Started

As stated in the syllabus, each of you simply needs a Facebook account and to join our "private group." When it's your turn to post a blog, simply start a new discussion on our "discussion board" and the rest of the class will have the opportunity to comment on your blog, as well as one another's comments.   

The Requirements

Blog Leader

Each student will be a “blog leader” for 3 week this semester (see attached schedule).  As a blog leader, you will post a substantial web blog using the discussion board on our Facebook group page.  Your blog should some connection you've made between the ideas we've discussed in class to a situation you've seen in your own life--this could be anything from your own experiences to a news item.  Be sure to relate the evidence from the real world--whatever you wish--to specific concepts and ideas we've discussed in class.  Each web blog should include a minimum of 5 links to other websites that give richness and dimensionality to the topic of your entry.  You may include links to legal video and music clips, insert pictures, or otherwise expand the discussion if you wish.  If something you link is a huge document or a slow download, it’s polite to mention this in your text to warn your readers of these potential inconveniences.

By “substantial,” I do not mean a huge book, but I do expect these lead entries to be developed at enough length to spark thoughtful discussion and response.  At minimum, you’ll probably want to a couple of well-developed paragraphs (around 500 words?).  Again, this is meant to be fun, not a drag, so the more you "get into" the topic, the easier this assignment will be. Your post needs to be on the discussion board no later than 9:00 Monday morning.

In addition to your original post, it is your job to keep up with everyone's comments to your post and to keep the conversation going with the entire class.

Blog Reader

Aside from the weeks when you are a blog leader, you are to read and respond thoroughly to each of your classmate's posts through the course of the semester.  As with your own post, you comments must be more than simple words and phrases.  Engage with one another and make connections to the original post and classmate reactions with more than--"I agree." 

 
Forbidden:  

·         Hate speech, profanity, "flames," porn, or other material that disrespects either the topic being discussed or the people discussing it. If you have a question about appropriateness of material, ask me before posting to the blog.

·         Funky spellings (e.g. "URkidn" or "this sux"), overuse of emoticons, irregular use of case and punctuation, etc. I don’t mind contractions and a few typos, but remember this is an assignment in a writing class, not a text-message to your friends.

Grading
Your contribution to others' blogs and commentary will contribute to your class participation grade for the week (see syllabus).  Your own "blog" will count as 2 quiz grades.  

Final note: This assignment is intended to be a lot of fun, something that separates this course from others and offers a unique way of developing skills that are invaluable to your future academic and professional career.  Don’t get intimidated.  If you’re having trouble, please let me know and we’ll make sure you get the hang of it.

                                                                                                   Blog Schedule