This course takes
advantage of material about the
contemporary world on the world wide web. In the course, students
can study some specific aspects of the contemporary world in depth and at
their own choosing. In addition, if you select
the web module
option, you will also be contributing to the further development of the
course and the creation of a shared, virtual learning environment. For your
success in this course, it is imperative that you maintain the pace of the
course and do not fall behind. If a problem does arise, or if you need
help at any time, please contact your instructor.
This is what you must do this week.
- Read your instructor's
introduction for details about contact information.
- Read the textbook's Preface and Chapter 1
- You may choose to listen to some short introductory remarks by your instructor
as a mp3
file. You can also read the instructions as
a txt file.
- Review the entire course
website and the required assignments. Please pay particular attention to all of the information on the course home page. I will offer extra credit if
you identify broken links or typos in this course. Please
e-mail this information directly to me.
- Double-check the Quick-Start Syllabus that ELI staff mailed to you
for your applicable course dates.
- Examine some recommendations for
evaluating web resources.
- Take appropriate action now if you will need
proctored
examinations.
- Submit your
introduction paragraph (below) and your
current events paper selection to your instructor per the directions below.
What you
can do this week
- Post an introduction in the
Blackboard discussion forum. Please first review the instructions for
Using Blackboard.
- Review the Optional ELI Orientation directions below for extra credit.
- I
am trying out several possible assignments that I might use for this
course in the future. Please let me know now, in week 1 or 2, if
you are interested in trying any of these for extra credit. When
you finish, I would also like to hear your reaction to the assignment.
- a Wikipedia Analysis paper based on the online reference website, wikipedia. If
you are interested,
please see the assignment
instructions for details. Point value is 100 points possible extra credit. Due date is week 13 of the course.
- a My Family and History
paper that requires you to examine your family's history in light of
the historical events of the past half century. Point value is
100 points possible extra credit. Due date is anytime after the
midterm exam and before the final exam.
- a Pop Culture
paper in which you look at some aspects of the growing spread of pop
culture throughout the world. Point value is 100 points possible
extra credit. Due date is anytime after the midterm exam and
before the final exam.
Directions
Write a paragraph (double-spaced, one-inch margins, font size 10 or 12) and include the following
information:
- your name and course number
- your "last date for withdrawal" and "end of enrollment" dates (from the
quickstart syllabus sent to you when you enrolled in the course, or from the ELI home page. You must complete ALL course assignments,
including the final exam, by your official end-of-enrollment date.)
- the college history and English courses that you have successfully completed
- your program of studies, career plans and how this course fits those plans
- your current events paper selection
- The following exact statements must also appear in your introduction letter--it's a bit formal, but I need to make sure that you have read this important information:
- Also,
please include a statement about yourself that will help me
distinguish you from other students in the course.
Please consult
Charlie's History Writing Center
for specific information on the writing requirements of this
course. I demand a specific style of analytical writing in the
course, and it will help you a lot to look through my writing support
aids now.
Your introduction should be sent by e-mail
according to the instructions for
Using Email.
Please note that submission of the Introduction letter signifies
that you have read completely the
ELI rules and
regulations.
The Introduction paragraph is worth a maximum of 50 points.
Optional ELI Orientation Directions
For 25 points of extra credit, review this
entire course website, check the online ELI
student orientation
and send your instructor any questions that you might have. This
must be done in weeks 1 or 2 of the course to receive credit.
Remember to begin to review for the map quiz on the midterm and final
exams.
There will be a map section on both the midterm and
final exams. Now is a good time
to begin to study and prepare.
Some suggested web sites for students who are interested in the practice of history
include these sites of the main professional historical
associations.
|