DISCUSSION 1 (JOIN) 1212 unread replies.1212 replies. Protocol: The board is a

DISCUSSION 1 (JOIN)
1212 unread replies.1212 replies.
Protocol:
The board is a chance for you to express your own opinions and personalities, so you can go off in different directions, as long as you’re clearly responding to the topic.
You must choose two topics but no more than one from any module listed (there are always two). For example, if your main response this time is from Module 1, your second (short) response must be from Module 2 or 3. You will lose credit if you don’t follow this policy of addressing separate modules, no matter how well-written your posts are.
Do NOT attach a separate document with your typed comments. Instead, write/reply directly in the thread.
Always title your post with the name of the article or a brief summary of its content, so people know at a glance your focus (e.g., “The Classical Ideal,” “My reaction to Beowulf,” “Cruel are the pains I’ve suffered too!” etc.). See Module 1 or 2 for the original articles/videos.
Feel free to post articles, images, etc. I might award extra points to clever and relevant links. But please – no tired memes or tweets, and absolutely nothing cruel or off-color.
Grading:
Before you start writing, you’re expected to read all topics, which are testable on the exam.
You get an initial 5 points for writing a post on-topic (as opposed to chatting about your love life, your favorite bands, etc.). You get a further 10 points for writing a coherent and reflective consideration of that chosen topic. Take it seriously; think of it as a mini-essay. This initial post must be at least 200 words and must include a word count at the end. Once posted, it will allow the board to open and connect you with your peers.
Then you get 5 points each for a response to a different topic and one response to a student (peer) post on any topic (you’re welcome to talk to multiple students too, of course). That way you’re always discussing at least two different topics from different modules. These second and third posts must be at least 50 words each.
If there’s no second topic yet under discussion, be the first and start a new thread!
You should be sympathetic to and interested in what your peers have to say, and it should be clear from your response that you’ve read the article(s) in question. Frivolous, dishonest, or obviously undeveloped responses will earn No Credit.
I want everyone to feel their opinions are respected and equally valid (whether you consider yourself a “good” writer or not), so as long as you do this to my satisfaction, you’ll usually get full credit. However, you’ll lose points for any missing, off-topic, or poorly developed elements (initial post/second post/peer response). Therefore, follow the directions and you’ll get the points: it’s Either/Or!
Let’s review:
Using the questions below as a jump-off point, respond to one of these assigned readings (200 words minimum). Once you’ve done that, the board will open up and you can see what everyone else has written, including any initial comments from me. Take your time to absorb what other people have to say, which may help you choose a second topic or focus your thoughts.
When you’re ready, comment on a second topic. This can be a new thread that you start or in response to another student’s comment on that second topic. Then you must comment on at least one other student post (topic/module open).
At least 300 words total are expected (be sure to add word count).
Refer back to the particular module (1 or 2, in this case) for the relevant material.
REMINDER: all readings are assigned and testable on the exam, whether or not you write on them as your D-Board response.
Off you go!
Module 1: The Classical Ideal
Discuss the main points made by Michael Wood and his colleagues in the first episode of Art of the Western World. What was important about Greece or Rome artistically? Which artworks and buildings are most celebrated and admired, and why? Pick one culture (not both), and discuss at least three examples that illustrate your position, choosing at least one building and one sculpture. Review the program at the links in Module 1 (one streaming section for each culture).
Module 2: Beowulf (choose sub-option a, b, or c)
a) Summarize each of the three main episodes of Beowulf’s tale. Who is involved, what major actions occur, and what lessons or themes (philosophical ideas) might be suggested from them?
b) What does Beowulf’s life suggest about wyrd (fate) and the Viking worldview? What scene(s) in the poem convey this? Recall Hrothgar’s advice to him in particular.
c) Catalogue the major plot & characterization differences between the original Norse poem and the film script. Then consider how effective is the portrayal of the hero and his various deeds, again in comparison with how the poem presents him. You may also comment briefly on the visuals and Robert Zemeckis’ directing, but you must answer the question primarily. See this link for cast and other details:
http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0442933/ (Links to an external site.)Links to an external site.
Module 3: Thomas Aquinas, Five Proofs of God. What specific claim does each proof address? In other words, restate the proof in your own words. Next, consider the logic behind any or all of his statements. Are you convinced by his arguments? Remember that according to Aristotle, premises must be logically consistent to be correct, but they don’t have to be “true” in an empirical sense (as in “people breathe air, I’m a person, therefore I need oxygen, ” which is axiomatic). So decide for yourself if God exists. There’s no right or wrong answer – at least no simple assignment can provide it — but if Aquinas sways you one way or another, explain how.
Or: Comtessa de Dia, “Cruel Are The Pains I’ve Suffered.” How does the poem reflect the ideals and notions of Courtly Love? Does it make a difference that the speaker is a woman rather than the more traditional man? Imagine to whom she’s talking (both as an audience in the room, and a secret audience –her lover); how does that affect the way the poem impacts you? Choose at least three lines or images (poetic statements) that support your response.
NOTE: the poem is near the end of Chapter 5 in the Sayre textbook (any edition).