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:

• Select a work of art by ONE of the following artists:

o Tiziano Vecelli (known as Titian)
o Leonardo Da Vinci
o Michelangelo Buonarotti
o Raphael Sanzio
o Michelangelo Merisi da Caravaggio
o Gian Lorenzo Bernini

• Identify the use of at least TWO symbols in the work.

• Research the use of symbols in art using the course resources, intellipath, the textbook, and/or the library.

• Create a post that addresses the following

o Explain the use of EACH symbol in the work.
o What were their meanings when the artist placed them in the work?
o How does their inclusion help heighten the overall message each symbol conveyed?
o How are the two symbols used in today's culture?

• Be sure to 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 TWO symbols 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?
• What is the difference between a symbol and an icon?
• Paste an image of the two symbols you chose directly into the DB window. You can take a photo or draw them.