Each week you are expected to post a a blog post on at least 3 pages worth of the readings assigned for next week on our blog (here) and make a comment on another student's post.
As you are expected to do the assigned readings FOR the lectures they are assigned to, you are expected to post your blog and comments BEFORE that lecture. Deadline: Saturday midnight, for main blog posts and Sunday, midnight for comments. Exception: blog posts for the first week can be posted during the first week of class, as if they were for the second week.
An ideal commentary should be about third of a page in length (~200 words), divided intro three clearly labeled sections in which you: 1) summarize in your own words of materials you read; 2) mention of any new, interesting, or unusual items learned; 3) identify at least one question, concern, or discussion angle that is either problematic in some respect or could have been elaborated more. This question is likely to be incorporated into our class discussions. You are allowed to quote interesting passage from the text(s) you've read, but the quotes will not count toward any length requirements.
You should also make at least one constructive comment about another student's blog post. Note the word “constructive”. Just posting “I agree” or such will NOT be counted.
This assignment constitutes 30% of the grade.
Late posts and comments will NOT be accepted. Nothing stops you from doing them IN ADVANCE if you think you may be busy in the upcoming week. As an exception, students who have joined the class after we have started will be allowed to make up late blog postings up to the first week after the add/drop period ends. Add the note “LATE POSTING - ADDED” to such posts and inform me that you are doing so in order to make sure I don't discard your blogs as late.
Note that for this assignment you will need to create a Google Account (https://www.google.com/accounts/NewAccount). Each student will receive an emailed invite to join the blog and become its co-author. You have to accept it before you will be able to post.
Also note that unless you configure your account to do so automatically you will need to sign your blog posts with at least with your first name and initial – so I know who is posting (you can set up your username to do so automatically). Unsigned blog posts will not be graded. Also, add a label to each of your blog based on your name and initial (so for me that would be Piotr K), this will make it easy for you and me to quickly find all of your blogs (how to label a post).
Here is an example of an excellent blog post (structure, content), although note this blog is on the longer side (about 800 words). You are not required to write so much, although if you do, you may receive extra credit.
If you need help with regards on how to post your blog comments, click here. There is a lot of help on how to blog, such as this video (one of many from the official blogger help channel).
You can receive information on when somebody comments on our blog, your blog post and so on by following the guide here
