Unit 2: Discussion

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Description

This post consists of two things—posting a first response to the prompts, and participating in the conversation by responding to someone els’s question.

1. DISCUSSION PROMPT RESPONSE

The full fifteen points will be given to a discussion response posting that

• Responds to every aspect of the discussion prompt with originality
• Displays a familiarity with the texts and topics being discussed
• Exceeds three hundred words

At the discretion of the instructor, points will be taken off any response that does not fulfill all of these goals. Late points will be deducted according to the standard late submission policy.

2. RESPONSE TO PEERS

The full five points will be given if you provide at least two response postings that

• Interact with a classmate’s post with originality and thoroughness
• Exceed one hundred words

At the discretion of the instructor, points will be taken off any response that does not fulfill all of these goals. Late points will be deducted according to the standard late submission policy.

You’ll notice that the requirements for the discussion are not as formulated or rigorous as ones for written assignments. You should consider the discussion threads as being analogous to the kind of discussions you would have in a face-to-face class: our goals should be to say things that are interesting, provocative, and respectful. While you’re encouraged to proofread, and to avoid the more slang- and emoticon-fueled discourse that appears on Twitter and Facebook, it’s okay to be a little more casual in style and phrasing. You are very much encouraged to post more than twice to the postings of your peers; the two longest postings are just the ones that will be evaluated.

All discussion prompt responses are due by 11 p.m. on Wednesday. The responses to peers’ postings are due by 11 p.m. on Saturday.

Respond to BOTH of the following prompts:

1. What comedic elements do you see in the first act of A Midsummer Night’s Dream? That doesn’t necessarily mean “what made you laugh?”, but rather, what elements of the play might help you identify it as a comedy in a formal sense?

2. The concept of dramatic irony is an important one in literature as a whole, but it can be an especially effective tool in drama. How does dramatic irony function in “Trifles” to create and heighten suspense and tension?

After you’ve posted your responses, you will then need to post responses to at least two of your classmates’ responses on the Discussion Thread.