The Discussion Board (DB) is part of the core of online learning. Classroom discussion in an online environment requires the active participation of students and the instructor to create robust interaction and dialogue. Every student is expected to create an original response to the open-ended DB question as well as engage in dialogue by responding to posts created by others throughout the week. At the end of each unit, DB participation will be assessed based on both level of engagement and the quality of the contribution to the discussion.

At a minimum, each student will be expected to post an original and thoughtful response to the DB question and contribute to the weekly dialogue by responding to at least two other posts from students. The first contribution must be posted before midnight (Central Time) on Wednesday of each week. Two additional responses are required after Wednesday of each week. Students are highly encouraged to engage on the Discussion Board early and often, as that is the primary way the university tracks class attendance and participation.

The purpose of the Discussion Board is to allow students to learn through sharing ideas and experiences as they relate to course content and the DB question. Because it is not possible to engage in two-way dialogue after a conversation has ended, no posts to the DB will be accepted after the end of each unit.

Anatomy of the Required Discussion Board Assignment

Required discussion board posts are in two parts within one posting. In the first part of your post, define and discuss the topic in academic terms, using citation and referencing, just as you will for any formal academic paper. This is where you demonstrate that you know the concepts. The second part of the required assignment is for application of the concepts. This is where you demonstrate that you know how to use the concepts you have learned.

Required Discussion Board Assignment

Based on your reading about early cultures, complete the following:

1. Identify 3 major cultural artifacts (e.g., a law code, an architectural style, a religion, a popular political institution) from any of the following civilizations: Babylon, Egypt, Greece, or Rome.
2. Discuss what these artifacts say about the cultural values of the time.
3. Do these civilizations and their artifacts still impact modern life? How so?

In your own words, please post a response of 3–4 paragraphs to the Discussion Board, and comment on at least 2 other posts. You will be graded on the quality of your postings.