See the general instructions in the General Essay Discussion Instructions page. Once you choose which question you’d like to write about, write your essay and save it as a Word document. Submit it to Turnitin, before posting (copy and paste) it in the discussion board.
- To create your post, click the Reply button. Do not attach the word document. Copy and paste the essay into the message box. To be able to read and respond to others’ posts, you will first need to publish your own post. Your first post is the one that will be graded – a blank post WILL be graded if it is your first post in the board.
- After you Post your Reply, refresh the screen to view everyone’s posts.
- Finally, read your classmates’ posts. A complete assignment includes your written response to at least one essay besides your own – part of your score is based on your reply to at least one of your classmate’s posts. It should be a meaningful reply that continues the discussion, points out something good about the post, and offers your classmate a tip/constructive suggestion for improvement.
View the discussion rubric to make sure your discussion post meets all the requirements. Not sure how to? Read How do I view my graded discussion?
Topics for your Essay, Choose A or B
Essay Length tips: To answer these topics completely, it takes about 2 pages – 8-10 paragraphs. Use the topic questions and the scoring rubric to see if your draft responds fully to all parts of the question. A complete, thoughtful answer is more important than word count.
Topic A
What is Martin Gardner’s argument for the objectivist view of art? Do you agree? Why or why not?
Use Vaughn’s textbook to help you explain Gardner’s theory and its strengths and weaknesses. Choose an object, performance, or piece of writing as an example, and explain whether Gardner’s theory would classify the object as Art. Do you agree with objectivism about Art or do you find another theory more convincing? Defend your point of view.