Discussion Forums

Participation
Timely and consistent forum contributions are
a course requirement. Discussion forums offer opportunities to share and develop new approaches
to reading, to appreciate varying contributions classmates offer, and bond with a group, adding pleasure to common aims. At least two contributions to each discussion forum is a precondition for passing Arts and Ideas. Forum discussions (with feedback via e-mail) replace class discussions to develop critical reading skills. Participation is mandatory to pass the course. Active participation, moreover, is a reliable means to ensure success in Arts and Ideas. No one regularly participating will jeopardize grades from tests and papers. Active participants who show leadership through thoughtful and fresh postings, and through active engagement with postings by others can raise their grade.

Preparation

During weekly readings, note particular incidents (and mark pages for reference) that you find notable, either for energy of presentation, surprises in values, or oddities in presentation. You will, of course, prefer some stories
to others. Consider, however, at lest one incident
that troubles or confuses you. You may learn more from attention to such an incident than from the pleasure of traveling once more over apparently familiar ground. After completing a Iliad sections, reread one or a few passages you have singled out. Try to see circumstances not from your preconceived point of view but from the point of view of characters. Characters at times will see differently, and tracing varied or conflicting approaches to circumstances and actions will hone your sensitivity to Greek worlds, Greek actions, and Greek values.

Audience

Consider your reader to be one of your fellow class-mates. A successful reading will keep your reader’s attention; it will invite your reader to return to your passage, and to the story in which the passage functions; and it will enable your reader to see the passage in a new way. The crucial question to consider is less what the passage “means” and more what the passage gets a reader to do. Consider how the passage moves readers at specific times in specific ways. Use discussion threads to gain experience, sharing responses, reactions and reflections with fellow readers. Seek to gain there respect. Your opinions are to reveal Greek circumstances, attitudes, actions and values, not to pass judgment on your personal likes and dislikes.

Passages

Most discussion forums begin with a passage which raises questions concerning a particular topic. Your first response should show you have considered the passage. Later responses may offer alternative passages. In all discussions, discussion should center on particular incidents (and pages).

Discussion

Treat fellows in discussion with courtesy and respect. No one should feel inhibited from exploring responses to readings. A crucial indication of respect will be evidence that you have read with care early contributions to a forum. When subsequent readings call attention to activities and language you might not have noticed earlier, and you recall forum contributions that are now part of your reading strategy, you will recognize the value of your group. Seek to return to your group what you take away.