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Discussion in HIST 381 The first reality to face is, this is a large class, and so casual discussion is not easy. Nevertheless, it is an upper-division course in History, and so discourse in a variety of forms—writing, speaking, dialog—has to be a part of it. There are two ways in which discussion will figure. 1. In-class. Although we are a large class, questions and comments are always in order. Further, I will initiate discussion, in a couple of ways. One way is as a dialog device embedded in lecture. There may be leading questions; if no one bites, then I start to call on people. Another way is follow-up on weblog transactions. After reading one of your contributions to the blog, I may well ask a follow-up question of you in class, or ask someone else in class to respond to what you wrote. 2. Blogging. You are required, of course, to file assignments via the weblog, the Backbencher. Beyond that, the blog is a place for discussion. You can ask questions about lecture material; reply to assignments or comments others have posted; ask for help with things you are working on; and in general, carry on a conversation that goes beyond formal assignments. You get credit for contributions to discussion. Evaluations of discussion are qualitative by nature, but not arbitrary. The transactions of the weblog are archived, and I make notes about in-class discussion.
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