Assignment 1: Introductory Discussion Question

Throughout this course, you will be presented with discussion questions, one in each module. For each of those discussion questions, be sure to do the following:

• Read the discussion prompt thoroughly before responding to it, as well as any required lecture notes or assigned readings for the module.

• Organize your thoughts and begin to compose your response. It may be helpful to do this in Microsoft Word so you can utilize the spell check and grammar check features of the software. You can then copy and paste your response to the Discussion Area, making sure you do so by the date indicated in the assignment. Please don’t post attachments to the discussion—the text of your response should be copied right into the body of your message for all to read. In general, all of your discussion assignment postings should be at least two full paragraphs (250 to 300 words) in length.

• Respond to at least two of your peers’ discussion responses, as all discussion assignments require you to do. When you do, you may agree, disagree, question their assertions, or offer additional information on the topic. However, make sure to elaborate on your response by utilizing information from the module’s readings. Your participation posts will need to be on topic with the content you’ve learned about during the module—offering personal opinions and experiences will not be considered a substantive contribution to the discussion. All of your participation responses should be a solid paragraph (100 to 150 words) in length.

• Avoid plagiarism at all costs by citing the readings correctly and composing your own original responses. Responses that copy ideas from the Internet or from another student will be considered plagiarism and will be treated as such.

• Make sure to use the rules of correct English grammar and to spell check your work. This is an essay assignment worth 48 points and should be as polished as you can make it.

By Saturday, May 20, 2017, post your work to this Discussion Area. For this first discussion assignment, compose a response that addresses all of the following:

• Begin by discussing your program of study and your career goals. How did you find yourself on this path? What drew you to this area of study, and what are some of your specific interests in the field? What do you hope to do with your degree when you graduate?

• After you’ve completed the first part of your response, begin thinking of potential essay topics that are related to your academic or career interests. List three preliminary topics that you could potentially develop into fully researched, persuasive essays over the duration of this class. Be sure to include enough information so that your instructor and your classmates can get a good idea of what each topic might entail—you may need to write two or three sentences to adequately explain each topic idea.