Discussion 1

Prior to completing this discussion, you will need to read Shakespeare's Macbeth from Appendix B of the Journey into Literature.

Reflect: Macbeth is often considered one of literature's greatest tragedies, not only because of Macbeth's tragic fall from grace, but because of how the play relates to human nature and the conflicts inherent in human nature. Think of what kinds of conflicts you saw in Macbeth. Consider what literary techniques helped convey the conflict.

Write: Your initial post must be 200 to 300 words in length and posted by Day 3. In your initial post, please do the following:

Identify a conflict that you see present in Macbeth (please refer to the list of conflicts).

Respond to one of the following and provide specific textual examples:

Describe a key conflict in the play and how it corresponds to a character's development.

Describe two key literary techniques and elements of drama that aid in developing the conflict.

Explain how the conflict identified in the play relates to human nature and the human condition.

Respond to Peers: Respond to at least two of your classmates' initial posts. Each response should be at least 75 words in length and should address two or more of the following points:

Do you agree with your classmates' perspectives? Why, or why not? Be specific.

Ask a specific question to encourage further discussion on the topic.

Challenge your classmates' interpretation of literature and/or point of view.

Do a small amount of research and share what you learn with your peers on the topic discussed in this post.

DisCussion 2

In order to complete this discussion, you will need to read Sharon E. Cooper's Mistaken Identity: A Ten Minute Play from Chapter 14 of Journey into Literature.

Reflect: In the "Tragedy" discussion this week, you explored the function of conflict in a tragedy and how the conflict is enhanced by certain literary elements and techniques. In this discussion activity, you will focus on comedy.

Reflect on Mistaken Identity: A Ten Minute Play. This is a modern comedy that centers on the quest for love and understanding. Consider whether/how the function of the conflict in this play and the way the literary elements and techniques enhance the conflict is different from what we studied in Macbeth.

Write: The initial post must be 200 to 300 words in length and posted by Day 3. In your initial post:

Identify a conflict that you see present in Mistaken Identity: A Ten Minute Play (please refer to the list of conflicts)

Respond to one of the following, providing examples or quotations from the play to illustrate your ideas:

Describe a key conflict in the play and how it corresponds to a character's development.

Describe two key literary techniques and elements and techniques of drama that aid in developing the conflict.

Explain how and why the conflict in this comedy is different from and/or similar to the conflict explored in tragedy.

Respond to Peers: Respond to at least two of your classmates' initial posts. Each response should be at least 75 words in length and should address two or more of the following points:

Do you agree with your classmates' perspectives? Why, or why not? Be specific.

Ask a specific question to encourage further discussion on the topic.

Challenge your classmates' interpretation of literature and/or point of view.

Do a small amount of research and share what you learn with your peers about the topic discussed in this post.

Discussion 3

Prior to completing this discussion, you will need to have written a literary analysis draft and have submitted it to review to the Ashford Writing Center.

Reflect: Review the feedback you received from the Ashford Writing Center and consider how you will apply their suggestions as you develop your draft into a final literary analysis essay.

Write: Your initial post must be 100-200 words in length and posted by Day 7. In your initial post, please do the following:

State the tracking number beginning with "ntp" found at the top of your reviewed paper.

Respond to the feedback by offering:

A summary of what you learned from their comments;

A three- to five-point plan of items you will address or revise for your final literary analysis; and

Your thoughts on how you plan to use the services of the Ashford Writing Center in future courses.

Respond to Peers: Peer responses are encouraged this week, but are not required.

Can you share in your classmates' plans for revision? Why is it helpful to share ideas in the writing process?

Take a look at your classmates' plans and offer a reliable website or other source that addresses an aspect of his/her revision. In addition to the Ashford Writing Center, what are some other resources that are helpful?

Reflect on the peer review process from last week and the review from the Writing Center this week, and offer your classmate some thoughts and questions on the experience of having others' review one's work.