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Journalism 190 -- Online discussion groups




J190 informal discussion
This site will be available all quarter for student discussion of J190 issues -- check it often and join in!


Group discussion areas are at the bottom of this page. Class Talk, where class members can share questions about class content as they prepare for the exams, is at the top of this page.

Discussion for class points

In the groups linked below, you will be making "online discussion" entries ONLY during Week 6 and 7. You will be assigned to one group listed below -- and MUST respond to Pilgrim's question by Wednesday of Week 6.

When you begin your own entry, always click REPLY (not post) to begin -- and always tap SUBMIT to send your paragraph. You should NEVER use "post."

Normally, you will make 2 entries each week -- after reading of others' entries and thinking about them. Over the two weeks, you will log about 8 hours of reading, thinking and responding to Pilgrim and others in your group.

Pilgrim will begin the two weeks of online discussion by posting a question by Mon., Nov. 2. All students must respond to this question with an entry that is well-argued and at least seven sentences long. As noted, the answer to Pilgrim must be posted within two days.

The remaining 3 responses -- spread over Week 6 and 7 -- should be made to other students within the assigned discussion group. Each should be a "fat paragraph" (around seven sentences) that is thoughful and well-supported.

No more than 1 response per 24-hour period for credit.

Each of the 4 responses are worth up to 15 points -- that is, 15 points for a "fat, well-supported paragraph"; up to 10 points for a short, less thoughtful entry; 0 points for no entry or extra entries -- or a first entry made after Wednesday of Week 6.

REQUIRED: For each response, in the name blank (or on the subject line), type your name (last name first), and then type 1, 2, 3 or 4 (to indicate which response we are to grade).

All discussion must be completed by Fri., Nov. 13 at noon. In these discussions students should NOT ATTACK other writers. Students who don't like written viewpoint should respond with an argument that is compelling (and logical). No name-calling; no threats.

Students should strive for civility that Alexander Meiklejohn would be proud of and should strive to develop each argument with adequate support for each assertion.

PLEASE RESPOND WITHIN your ASSIGNED GROUP. 60 total points possible for the 2 weeks -- sorry, no makeups or extra points, and no points for a first entry after Wednesday of Week 6.

Good thinking and discussing! Remeber, be civil: no name-calling -- people are good, but their ideas may invoke your disdain (superbly criticized by you with cogent rebuttal, irony, satire, etc.).


It is ok to respond more than the required number of times -- and you may want to check other groups and respond, but we cannot give you any credit for entries other than in your group. Please, please, always be civil, and please provide the reasoning for stances you take.

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Updated 2009