Group Blog

Overview

You will create and maintain a blog that responds to the readings, themes, and activities of this course. There are many resources on blogging. I have made some available to you on Diigo and on our website at Blogging Tips. Also, check out ProBlogger’s beginner guide for a thorough introduction to blogging.

Objectives

  1. To apply interdisciplinary studies to our analysis of course materials
  2. To become well-versed in one cultural aspect of 18th- and 19th-century studies
  3. To develop self-initiated and interdisciplinary research skills
  4. To develop collaborative writing and research skills
  5. To develop global perspectives on the course materials and themes

Basic Requirements

  1. Identify a theme that your group will become experts on. Your group will maintain a blog that regularly comments on course materials from your thematic perspective.
  2. Write one post for every class period that we meet. If no reading is assigned for that class period, use that opportunity to explore your theme on your own.
  3. Assign at least two people to each blog post. One person acts as primary writer; the other acts as editor.
  4. Incorporate at least one peer-reviewed article per blog post.
  5. Include bibliographies with your posts.

Ideas for Achieving Excellence

  1. Assign two editors to each blog post. One will edit for content and ideas, the other will proofread.
  2. Assign a group member to act as a respondent, who will comment on your group’s blog posts and on classmates’ blog posts.
  3. Read background information on your theme, specific to the periods.
  4. Include references to specific thinkers, writers, artists, scientists.

Assessment

  1. The blog as a whole will receive a single grade. Each group has the option of reallocating their points, taking points away from the weaker members and redistributing them to the stronger members. Each group had to decide these terms on their own, and the decision had to be unanimous. For details and additional information, see my blog post on “Collaboration in the Classroom.”
  2. During Midterms, your group will curate a guide to the “Best of” your blog. Simply create a new blog post titled “The Best of X,” X being the title of your blog. Include any information in this post that would be helpful to a new reader to your blog. You might identify your editorial, research, and/or commenting practices. In addition to your statement, include a short list of links to your best blog posts. You might include a sentence or two, identifying the purpose of that post.
  3. After Midterm grades are assigned, every group will have the opportunity to disband and reform new groups and new themes, if desired.