Week 4 DB

4.1 DISCUSSION:CHAPTER 20

BACKGROUND INFORMATION

A Note on the Meaning of Essay

The essay is one form of writing especially popular in academia.  An essay is thesis based, meaning that the writer must communicate a persuasive argument in a concise fashion that is more fully expressed in the body of the paper.  Essays are tools to inform and explain one issue by presenting information in an attempt to argue for one specific outcome or interpretation.  

A simple exercise is to think about your favorite flavor of ice cream.  After coming up with your choice, think of how you would persuade someone else that your favorite flavor is the best.  You may immediately think that “it- just my opinion!”  There- no way to persuade someone of the “rightness” of a flavor of ice cream.  You are correct—it is your opinion, but the essay is a way to take your opinion of something and cast it in a way that “proves” to others that your opinion is solidly considered.  What could you say about ice cream?  What about the superiority of vanilla bean texture or appearance to French vanilla? (Has there been a national survey of “best flavor”?) Or, Brand X- chocolate made with cream rather than oil, coco beans rather than extract, etc. (better ingredients).

Your duty in constructing an argument is to find ways to express “why” you think as you do.  Are there facts (such as better-tasting or healthier ingredients in Brand X or national survey results) that lend credence to your opinion?  Are there objective data (facts) that take away from your argument that you’ll need to acknowledge and discuss?

Develop a thesis then find ways to prove it with solid evidence.
	
Adapted from Dr. Bradford Sample, Meaning of an Essay, 2006.

INSTRUCTIONS

1.	Read chapter 20 in The West in the World.
2.	In the Chapter 20 discussion forum, post the following:
a.	Write a thesis paragraph concerning imperialism in the 19th Century.
b.	Sketch a basic, three to four point outline of evidence/paragraph structure you would use if you were to write a paper using only the textbook as a source.
c.	In the “reply” phase of the discussion, help two of your peers to improve on their thesis paragraph or the organization of their proposed paper by offering suggestions or asking questions.
3.	Your initial post is due by the end of the fourth day of the workshop.
4.	Read and respond to at least two of your classmates’ postings, as well as all follow-up instructor questions directed to you, by the end of the workshop.
5.	Your postings should also:
a.	Be well developed by providing clear answers with evidence of critical thinking.
b.	Your observations should add greater depth to the discussion by introducing new ideas.
c.	Provide clarification to classmates’ questions and provide insight into the discussion.
d.	Be posted on three different days during the workshop.

4.3DISCUSSION:CHAPTERS 22 AND 23

RESOURCES

	Textbook: The West in the World
INSTRUCTIONS

1.	Read chapters 22 and 23 in The West in the World.
2.	In the Chapters 22 and 23 discussion forum, respond to the following:
a.	What happened between 1900 and 1939 to diminish the “Culture of Progress” in the West? Name and discuss three reasons why you think as you do.
3.	Your initial post is due by the end of the fourth day of the workshop.
4.	Read and respond to at least two of your classmates’ postings, as well as all follow-up instructor questions directed to you, by the end of the workshop.
5.	Your postings should also:
a.	Be well developed by providing clear answers with evidence of critical thinking.
b.	Your observations should add greater depth to the discussion by introducing new ideas.
c.	Provide clarification to classmates’ questions and provide insight into the discussion.
d.	Be posted on three different days during the workshop.


1.	Read chapter 21 in The West in the World.
2.	Review the works of art listed below that can be found in your text.
3.	Art and Culture (1870-1914) - The works are paintings of life that are intended to convey either contentment with or antagonism toward this era- majority culture.  In the Chapters 20 and 21 discussion forum, do the following:
a.	Answer the question that corresponds to four of the Works of Art below and write a paragraph on what you perceive to be the overall culture of the period - based on both the figures below and other photographs/works/readings.
b.	Works of Art: 
i.	Figure 20.1.  Does this work portray contentment with the “new” culture?
ii.	Figure 20.3.  What do the 2 groups portrayed symbolize?  Notice the red flags, the white dresses, the pastoral scenes on one-half while the others have smokestacks, etc. 
iii.	Figure 20.5.Which group is depicted - what is the event?
iv.	Figure 20.7.What do the clouds and coloring depict?
v.	Figure 20.8.  Are the publishers comfortable with imperialism?
vi.	Facing Chapter21.What does the work say about middle class culture?
vii.	Figure 21.7.Is this a pro-capitalist or anti-capitalist set?
viii.	Figure 21.9.Does the woman look happy - what is the artist trying to do?
ix.	Figure 21.11.How does this work show the view toward progress?
x.	Figures 21.13 & 21.14.	Is Monet an optimist?
4.	Your initial post is due by the end of the fourth day of the workshop.
5.	Read and respond to at least two of your classmates’ postings, as well as all follow-up instructor questions directed to you, by the end of the workshop.
6.	Your postings should also:
a.	Be well developed by providing clear answers with evidence of critical thinking.
b.	Your observations should add greater depth to the discussion by introducing new ideas.
c.	Provide clarification to classmates’ questions and provide insight into the discussion.
d.	Be posted on three different days during the workshop.