This unit of our work will allow you to engage with current controversial issues related to technological developments and how they affect our culture. You will be able to maintain online discussion of your theme of choice in a unique, current writing format: the blog. The role-playing aspect of the unit will add another layer of complexity to your tasks because you will be expressing your fictional character's views; that is, trying to look at the issues from your character's point of view. Staying in character will be almost as important as the substance of your contributions.

Readings

I have selected to bring in the headlines from various sections of Wired Magazine to give you a current and popular selection of articles for discussion. Each blog group will be able to choose form among the ten latest articles within the blog's overall theme. Only the articles that show up in the right-hand column of your blog's front page can be selected. Be aware that the readings come to us through a dynamic feed; that is, look through the list often to check out the most recent additions. At any given time, if an article is in that list, you can choose to write about it by logging in our website and using the "blog-it" link next to the article's headline.

Blog Entries

You are expected to contribute at least one 500-word blog entry every week, which is the equivalent of 2 pages double-spaced. Each blog entry should comment on one of the readings available to your discussion group that has not been covered by your classmates. Entries will be due by 5pm on the following Fridays:

• November 18;
• December 2;
• December 9;

Blog entries need to be very well-focused, thesis-driven commentaries on the ideas from the article of your choice. Usually, you will have one main point to make that will need to be discussed in detail and supported by reasons, examples, and explanations. Common types of claims to use include:

• evaluation claims that assess the clarity, accuracy, and scope of ideas;
• causal claims that speculate on potential causes or effects of a phenomenon;
• proposal claims that offer alternative solutions to dilemmas or problems;
• definitional claims that categorize concepts in useful ways.

In addition to expressing your character's views, you should attempt to foster discussion through the content of your blog entry. You can do that in any number of ways. Some examples include:

• by making thought-provoking connections between seemingly disparate ideas;
• by using interesting examples that will resonate with your classmates;
• by using conversational tone/style that will encourage other to respond;
• by posing interesting questions.

Responses

At least twice a week, you will respond to blog entries within your discussion group. Responses can be less formal and about 100 words long, but should still contribute to the discussion by offering further examples, agreements, disagreements, alternative ways to think about the issue at hand, etc.

Participating with more than the minimum required responses is greatly encouraged and will be taken into consideration in the final analysis of your performance.

Grading Criteria

I will evaluate your contributions according to these criteria:

• Focus/Purpose – adherence to assignment guidelines; consistent point of view; clear/explicit claims and a coherent overall opinion.
• Development – relevant examples; clear explanations.
• Organization – logical arrangement of ideas; smooth transitions.
• Tone/Style – appropriate language; conversational, but persuasive, tone.
• Editing – link to the article that is being discussed; lack of grammatical problems and mechanical errors.

My grades will follow the overall grading philosophy recommended by the DRW in Chapter 4 of the Student Guide.