English 101 Discussion

but things have changed, no?

As stated on the class Discussion page, postings are graded for both form (editing) and content, and they are not simple opinion pieces. Postings are the equivalent to in-class essays in a face-to-face class, so they must show your understanding of the reading, your ability to apply the situations to actual experiences described in precise detail, the depth of your thinking and creativity developing an essay about the topic. A typical posting should be 350+ words long and, when appropriate, incorporate documented quotations from the readings.

Likewise, the responses are not simple "I agree" or "Good job" bits of chat. They need to demonstrate your ability to add examples and ideas to the discussion. Ideally, they will introduce new ways of looking at the topic that will allow others to pick up on your examples and expand on their own discussions. A typical response will be about 200+ words.

Remember: discussions are worth 20 points (10 for your posting, 10 for your responses) each, and you must post your response to the Message Board no later than the due date in order to get credit. After the class has posted to the Message Board, read what everybody has to say about the discussion topic and respond to any or all of them (at least one for a "C" and at least two if you are trying to earn maximum points), and feel free to respond to responses over the next couple of days; responses are due before noon Sunday :)

Discuss the following (and note that several things must be included in your post):

"American Space, Chinese Place" is a comparative analysis of two house styles and the two cultures they represent. There are still suburban ranch houses with large picture windows that overlook distant vistas, but American house options have changed dramatically since Yi-fu Tuan wrote his article in the mid-70s. Things have changed considerably since then.

Your job will be to look at just one of the many alternative house types that are trending more and more in the 21st century. Most of you will likely look at American trends, but you don't have to; there are amazing things going on all over the world.

Do a quick web search on alternative houses. Find one that you find particularly interesting and read a little about it. It can be a tiny home, a bus conversion, a tree house, an earthship, cave living, hobbit holes, off-grid housings--really anything non-traditional. The more unusual, of course, the more interesting the choice is, but consider picking something you could see yourself living in.

On the discussion board post a picture of the house, but do not copy a picture already on the board. If you already see a tiny house on the board, you may still discuss a tiny house, but pick a different picture, please. Following the picture write a few sentences explaining what kind of house this is and what distinguishes it, why it's unique. After that, explain why someone would consider living in such a place (what are the advantages). Then explore what some of the challenges are living in such a place (what are the disadvantages). At this point you may wish to quote from the article on what makes a house a home. At the very least, you need to explain what (not counting people) would you have to have in this house you are exploring to make that house feel like home to you.

A NOTE ABOUT RESPONSES: Add some thoughts on what the advantages and disadvantages of someone's home choice might be. Be very specific. If you have to research things like sizes, costs, housing restrictions in certain areas, and so on, please do (and cite your sources). You could also add ideas to what sorts of clever designs and multi-purpose furnishings someone could include in such a house to make it more functional and more home-like.

And, finally, A SPECIAL NOTE ABOUT COPYING/PASTING PICTURES onto Canvas: It's easy. Select the picture; right-click; Copy; go to the discussion board and place your cursor where you want your picture in your discussion; right-click; paste. However, occasionally it does not work. Do not do this from a phone, for example; that often guarantees failure. Some photos are copyright (and Copy) protected. If you need to try several to get one onto the board, then try several. You will likely have a gazillion to choose from :)

Discussion 4

but things have changed, no?