Homework Posting Instructions

Think of the electronic postings in this course as a record of your critical thinking about the course readings and class discussions. You should check the schedule and the "Homework Postings" folder/discussions on WebX for details about the topics and deadlines for each posting.

Each posting assignment will ask you to reflect on a general topic (or topics) related to the assigned reading(s). Your objective is to narrow the general topic focus by formulating/answering a related critical question. You should begin each posting by stating your question (in the title field of the discussion). Then in 250-300 words, you should explore your question in more depth, referencing details from the text(s) as necessary and explaining how it extends the general topic.

Remember, critical responses require that you assert your own voice in your writing; you should not merely repeat what the author has stated. In your postings, you must begin to interpret, evaluate, and possibly apply the information you uncover in the readings. Consider carefully the kind of question you might ask that is worthy of further inquiry before you proceed with a response. Broad critical questions often result in broad (and uninteresting) responses. For example, if you are asked to explore "Frankenstein and Father-Figures," do not ask "Is Victor a good father to the monster?" The question is unfocused. (What does "good" mean and according to whom?) Instead a better question might be: "How can one recognize Victor’s rejection of the monster as a failure to accept patriarchal responsibility, to become a proper "cultural" father?" The second question is much more precise and demonstrates a more sophisticated understanding of Victor’s potential motivations. It allows room for the writer to assert his/her own interpretation and potentially to connect to ideas beyond the realm of the novel – to broader social issues discussed in class.

Homework postings will be graded for precision/accuracy (50%) and critical engagement/originality (50%). Although grammar and mechanics are only minimally important in WebX postings, clarity and organization of ideas are the key factors in determining your grade. As indicated on your course syllabus, you will complete seven homework postings this semester.