Instructions for Threaded Discussions (Read First)

Welcome to the Threaded Discussion!  The Threaded Discussion is located on the TFC class pages. During each Chapter you will be having a Threaded Discussion to talk about various topics related to Latin America.  

 

INSTRUCTIONS FOR THREADED DISCUSSIONS: 

Each Threaded Discussion has two parts

1. Original Post:  In each of the Threaded Discussions you will be given discussion topics for which you will write an Original Post (200+ words; NO translator submissions). It will need to be posted by 11:55 p.m. (EST) on the Due Date listed for each Chapter.  There will be several Subject choices listed each time, of which you will need to choose a topic no other person in your group has posted to or you will post new and different information when you must repeat a topic. You will research and write a short, comprehensive summary of the topic that includes new information others in your group have not mentioned. Once each of the topics has been addressed, you may choose any of the topics but you may not repeat the same information.  Give us new information not mentioned by the other students. You must use in-text citations for any quotes and/or paraphrased content from any source, and list all sources at the end of your post, in proper APA or MLA format. (Possible 14 points here)

***No more than 25% of your original post should be made up of directly quoted material.*** You may of course also paraphrase information gathered from outside sources which would not count towards that 25% limit (as long as it is correctly cited in-text and in the reference section) but we also want to hear your own analysis of the material, and about your own perspectives and experiences.

You may not use Wikipedia as a source as, for the purposes of this course, it is not deemed academically credible.

2. Responses to other students:  In each chapter, you will need to read the Original Posts of classmates in your particular Threaded Discussion Group and make a substantial response (70+ word min.) to two other's Original Posts by due date posted at 11:55 p.m. (EST).  (Possible 3 points for each of 2 substantial responses.) 

A substantial response will advance the argument/conversation (versus just repeating agreement with what's already been said or "liking" their writing style or information). Avoid evaluating students' writing style or methods. You must use in-text citations for any quotes and/or paraphrased content from any source, and list all sources at the end of your post, in proper APA or MLA format.

***No more than 50% of each response should be made up of directly quoted material.*** You may of course also paraphrase information gathered from outside sources which would not count towards that 50% limit (as long as it is correctly cited in-text and in the reference section) but we also want to hear your own analysis of the material, and about your own perspectives and experiences.

You may not use Wikipedia as a source as, for the purposes of this course, it is not deemed academically credible.

***If in-text citations and/or references are not provided or not provided correctly, the student may be deemed to have committed plagiarism by attempting to pass off someone else's work as his/her own and consequences may include a 0 in the assignment, an "F" in the course, and even possible dismissal from the college (as outlined in the Academic Honesty/Plagiarism section of the syllabus).***

Grading

Make sure to read the Threaded Discussion early in the week in case you have to do some translation (NOT using a translator) to understand and complete additional research as part of the information you will need for your Original Post/Responses.  The sooner you post the easier it will be, because you will need to be original, not repeating what one of your classmates has already posted.

Discussion Groups
You will be in a smaller Threaded Discussion group for this course. Look for your name beside the group that you will be participating in. You will stay with that particular group for the entire course. For example if you begin with Group A you will stay with Group A. You will be graded on your Original Posts and Responses you make ONLY in this assigned group. You may read any of the other group's posts, but you are only required to be involved in YOUR small group.

Citing Sources

1. In the body of your text:

In your original posts (200+ word min. -  no max.) be sure to cite any information you use (whether that be statistics, opinions, or quotes pertaining to the topic.

2. At the end of your text:

Make a list of your sources (a bibliography - APA/MLA is fine), at the bottom of your post. These websites may help when compiling your list: http://www.citationmachine.net/ ;  http://www.bibme.org/mla 

Responses

• Please make your responses to other student's Original Posts - not on your own post. NOTE: Although you are welcome to interact with other students on your own post, you will not be awarded any points toward the TD grade.
• Keep in mind that a response is an interaction with the material presented in the post by giving your thoughts or reaction and / or by adding new information with your supporting source listed.  MLA or APA.
• Keep your focus on furthering the discussion.  (70+ word min. - no max.)
• Avoid simply repeating what's been said or stating how cool you think it is. 
• Avoid an evaluation of other students' writing style and methods.

The Grading Rubric for the Threaded Discussions

Elementary Spanish I and II                 Threaded Discussion Rubric