For this discussion forum, pick ONE of the following prompts to write about.
Prompt 1
STEP 1: For this discussion forum, find a photograph of the Civil War (it can’t be one that another person has already posted to the forum). You may use the Library of Congress, National Archives, or another resource or website to help you find an image related to the Civil War. Pick any image that interests you.
STEP 2: In a short paragraph, answer the following questions about your image:
- What drew you to this image? What do you find interesting about it? What questions do you have after looking at the image?
- Describe the image. What people and objects are shown? What is the physical setting? What other details can you see? What’s happening in the image?
- Do some simple research about your image and the context of your image. Relying on the information you discovered, tell us more about the image. What can we learn from the image?
STEP 3: Imagine that the image has been selected to be included in a special Civil War gallery that will be displayed at your local civic center during an upcoming historical celebration. Create a title for an image and write up a 1-2 paragraph description that will accompany the photo in the gallery.
STEP 4: Respond to at least one other classmate in another post (in at least 75 words). Explicitly address their picture and try to extend, complicate, or redirect their points in a substantive, knowledge-demonstrating way.
Prompt 2
STEP 1: Research a statue or monument that is connected to someone associated with the Confederacy, or a person who supported slavery during the Civil War era. Write a paragraph about the monument, the person, their background, and what they are known for.
STEP 2: Write a paragraph explaining why some people would want the statue removed, and why others would want it to stay. For context, watch this Ted talk, “What Story DO America’s Monuments Tell?” and read this Pros and Cons article about historic statues. Conclude with your own opinion as to what should be done with the monument.
STEP 3: Respond to at least one other classmate in another post (in at least 75 words). Explicitly address their thoughts about the monument and try to extend, complicate, or redirect their points in a substantive, knowledge-demonstrating way. Be sure to do so in a civil and academic manner.
Discussion Grading Rubric:
| Criteria | Poor | Good | Excellent | Points |
| Discussion Post | Post is off-topic or does not specifically address prompt, but does address general topic of content, does not meet length requirement. | Post address prompt directly, but skips steps or questions, leaves out relevant information, or shows lack of critical thinking, may or may not meet length requirement. | Post directly addresses prompt, contains all relevant information from course content, demonstrates sound analysis and critical thinking, offers well thought-out points, meets length requirement. | __/4 |
| Supporting Evidence/ Details | Post & comments do not contain any sources or evidence to support points; or sources are off topic, poorly researched, and vague. | Post & comments use relevant evidence for some points, but not for others; or information is missing. | All points in post & comments are supported by relevant, well-researched evidence or sources. | __/3 |
| Response Comments | Responses are off topic, only contain a few words or sentences, no meaningful contribution; or are disrespectful toward fellow students; ideas are not well developed or researched. | Responses may or may not meet length requirement, use respectful language, but are vague or slightly off topic, without evidence, or do not directly address the original poster’s points. | Responses meet length requirement, contain thoughtful feedback, well-researched evidence and relevant points, and use respectful language. | __/3 |
| Total | __/10 |