Your active participation in the discussions is essential to your overall success this term. Discussion questions will help you make meaningful connections between the course content and the larger concepts of the course. These discussions give you a chance to express your own thoughts, ask questions, and gain insight from your peers and instructor. Directions For each discussion, you must create one initial post and follow up with at least two response posts. For your initial post, do the following: Write a post of 1 to 2 paragraphs. In Module One, complete your initial post by Thursday at 11:59 p.m. Eastern. In Modules Two through Eight, complete your initial post by Thursday at 11:59 p.m. of your local time zone. Consider content from other parts of the course where appropriate. Use proper citation methods for your discipline when referencing scholarly or popular sources. For your response posts, do the following: Reply to at least two classmates outside of your own initial post thread. In Module One, complete your two response posts by Sunday at 11:59 p.m. Eastern. In Modules Two through Eight, complete your two response posts by Sunday at 11:59 p.m. of your local time zone. Demonstrate more depth and thought than saying things like "I agree" or "You are wrong." Guidance is provided for you in the discussion prompt. Rubric Critical Elements Exemplary Proficient Needs Improvement Not Evident Value Comprehension Develops an initial post with an organized, clear point of view or idea using rich and significant detail (100%) Develops an initial post with a point of view or idea using adequate organization and detail (85%) Develops an initial post with a point of view or idea but with some gaps in organization and detail (55%) Does not develop an initial post with an organized point of view or idea (0%) 40 Timeliness N/A Submits initial post on time (100%) Submits initial post one day late (55%) Submits initial post two or more days late (0%) 10 Engagement Provides relevant and meaningful response posts with clarifying explanation and detail (100%) Provides relevant response posts with some explanation and detail (85%) Provides somewhat relevant response posts with some explanation and detail (55%) Provides response posts that are generic with little explanation or detail (0%) 3