The Discussion Board (DB) is part of the core of online learning. Classroom discussion in an online environment requires the active participation of students and the instructor to create robust interaction and dialogue. Every student is expected to create an original response to the open-ended DB question as well as engage in dialogue by responding to posts created by others throughout the week. At the end of each unit, DB participation will be assessed based on both level of engagement and the quality of the contribution to the discussion.

At a minimum, each student will be expected to post an original and thoughtful response to the DB question and contribute to the weekly dialogue by responding to at least two other posts from students. The first contribution must be posted before midnight (Central Time) on Wednesday of each week. Two additional responses are required after Wednesday of each week. Students are highly encouraged to engage on the Discussion Board early and often, as that is the primary way the university tracks class attendance and participation.
The purpose of the Discussion Board is to allow students to learn through sharing ideas and experiences as they relate to course content and the DB question. Because it is not possible to engage in two-way dialogue after a conversation has ended, no posts to the DB will be accepted after the end of each unit.

Assignment Details

Part 1

Many works of art use symbols to communicate meaning. Research the definition of the word "symbol," and complete the following:

•Choose a work of art from 1 of the following artists:

?Tiziano Vecelli (known as Titian)

?Leonardo Da Vinci

?Michelangelo Buonarotti

?Raphael Stanza

?Michelangelo Merisi da Caravaggio

?Gian Lorenzo Bernini

•Explain the use of at least 2 symbols in the work.

?What are their meanings, and what is the message they convey?

?How are these symbols used in today's culture?

•Include the artist's name, the title of the work, and the date of the work in your post. Paste an image of the work directly into the DB window. Do not post an attachment.

Part 2

Find 2 symbols that you encounter every day in your environment, and complete the following:

•Explain the meaning of the symbols and what they communicate.

•How are they similar or different from the symbols you researched in Part 1?

•Paste an image of these symbols directly into the DB window. You can take a photo or draw them. Do not post as an attachment.