The Discussion Board 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

Research a photographer.

• Choose one photographer from the following list:

o Edward Weston
o Julia Margaret Cameron
o Dorothea Lange
o Jerry Uelsmann
o Cindy Sherman
o Ansel Adams
o Carrie Mae Weems

• Use the textbook, intellipath material, the Internet, and the Unit Resources for help.

Choose a Photograph.

• Choose ONE photograph created by the photographer you selected from the list above.

• List the photographer's name, the title of the photograph, and the date of the image creation.

• Paste the image directly into the Discussion Board window. Do not post it as an attachment.

Discuss Your Choice by responding to the following:

• Why did you choose this photographer?

• Explain any personal associations, feelings, or experiences that relate to the selected image.

• After researching the purposes and functions of art, explain at least ONE of the purposes and ONE of the functions of the artist's work. (See intellipath, MUSE, and the text for more information about the purposes and functions of art.)

Part 2

Create Your Own Photograph.

• Inspired by the photographic images created by your selected artist, create a similar photograph of your own using your phone, a camera, or any other photographic device.

• Paste your created photograph directly into the Discussion Board window. Do not post as an attachment.

• Explain how your photograph is similar and/or different in subject matter and meaning when compared to the photograph you selected in Part 1 of this assignment.

• What connections did you make with the photographer/artist that you chose?