"There is science, logic, reason; there is thought verified by experience. And then there is California." - Edward Abbey

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Discussion Questions

Discussion Questions

Golden Gate Bridge

On this page, you will find links to the discussion questions that go along with the readings. Please answer all the questions as thoughtfully as possible, after reading the lectures. Then submit your answers by the deadline (the due dates are on each Discussion Question page and on the Class Schedule). A well thought out answer will probably be two or three meaty paragraphs (250-350 words on average).

Other online students will be submitting their answers to the group as well; you should read them and respond to other people's answers. This process will take the place of class discussions, and allow you to see other students' perceptions and interpretations. In fact, in order to get the full 20 points, you MUST respond thoughtfully to at least 3 or 4 other people's postings.

Respond thoughtfully to several other postings. Just saying "I agree" or "I disagree" does not constitute a thoughtful response. Add to the discussion with very specific, concrete examples (some from the texts, some from personal experience); it's also a good idea to ask questions which will further the discussion.

We will be using the ETUDES Discussion Board for this class. Click on the link below to get to the ETUDES portal, sign in, and then click on the tab for this class. You will find the "Discussion and Private Messages" link on the left side of the screen:

Discussion Board

NOTE: try the Message Board ASAP! It's a good idea to bookmark the page. If you have any trouble, please contact me by e-mail or by phone so that we can work out the problem.

Each set of discussion questions is worth a possible 20 points.

Discussion question answers are due BEFORE MIDNIGHT on the dates when they are scheduled. Your responses to other people's answers are due before midnight on the following Sunday night. For example, if Discussion Question 1 is due on Thursday, September 3rd, then your responses to other people's answers must be posted by midnight on Sunday night, September 6th.

Late answers will receive 0 points, so try to get them in early.

Points will be assigned according to the thoughtfulness of your answers and responses, not by whether they are "right" or not, since sometimes there is no "right" answer. Just be sure your ideas are supported by the material in the readings.

By the way, whenever you see this symbol Link you can click on it and be transported to more information on the author.


Go to Discussion Questions 1

Go to Discussion Questions 2

Go to Discussion Questions 3

Go to Discussion Questions 4

Go to Discussion Questions 5

Go to Discussion Questions 6

Go to Discussion Questions 7

Go to Discussion Questions 8

Go to Discussion Questions 9

Go to Discussion Questions 10


“The formula for a happy marriage? It's the same as the one for living in California: when you find a fault, don't dwell on it.” ~Jay Trachman