Unit 1: Key Ideas
No unread replies. 14 14 replies.
Description
In each unit with assigned readings, class members post discussion of “key ideas,” one for each assigned reading. The key ideas assignment is intended to encourage reflective reading and informed discussion.
A key idea addresses what the student finds to be an important or useful concept. Each key idea entry describes the key idea, then may assess its importance, strengths and/or weaknesses, practical application, or points of interest or confusion. It can be useful to illustrate key ideas by briefly linking them to news events, societal conditions, or personal experience.
Key ideas are about specific concepts from a portion of a reading, though sometimes they are central to an entire reading. Key ideas entries do not summarize entire assigned readings or the posted course notes for the unit. Key ideas should be chosen from different readings, or from different chapters within a reading. Students should avoid repeating ideas from unit materials posted by the professor.
Posting and Format
Key ideas for the unit are typed or pasted directly into a discussion thread, as one assignment, no later than 11 p.m. Central on Friday. Each key idea should be discussed in approximately 150-200 words of narrative (not including quotation or lists), separated into paragraphs where appropriate.
Each key idea is labeled with the name of the key idea, author of the source reading, and page number(s) of the key idea. (For example: “Administrative structure in the United Kingdom, Peters, pages 129-132,” or “The city manager form of government, Judd and Swanstrom, pages 96-97.”)
Neither parenthetic citations with author and date nor a reference list need be included with the key ideas entries. However, parenthetic citations for page numbers must be given for quotations and to show locations of ideas from the readings (showing location is not necessary if the key idea appears on only one page). Excessive quotation and lists should be avoided; concepts should usually be summarized in the student’s words.
Class members should post thoughtful and substantive replies to the key ideas of at least two other class members each unit. These replies are due by 11 p.m. Central on Sunday. Additional dialogue posts are welcome. When appropriate, the professor will offer substantive comments or suggestions for improvement in format or discussion of key ideas.
Review the Grading Rubric and Example Key Idea in the Course Overview before posting
Last Completed Projects
| topic title | academic level | Writer | delivered |
|---|