When you respond to your peers' blog, consider connective language: "I understood x about...." "Can you say more about...." "I disagree with the claim that...."
Questions to Consider for Blogging:
§ What did you like about class/assigned material this week? What didn’t you like?
§ What are the major themes/issues addressed in class this week?
§ Make links to specific objects and peoples.
§ What are the major themes/issues addressed in the assigned readings/media?
§ How do the assigned material and class material relate?
§ If you are addressing an article/essay, what is the author’s thesis? What is his/her evidence?
§ What are the strengths and weaknesses of the article/essay?
§ How does this article help (or hinder) our interpretation/understanding of the African art?
§ Does it help us reflect upon and/or be critical of prior interpretations (historiography)? How?
§ If paired, how do the readings inform each other, if at all?
§ What questions did class and/or the assigned material raise for you?
§ Choose a statement, supporting evidence, or passage from the article that particularly struck you. Why is it important to you?
§ NB on quotes—don’t “just quote.” Paraphrase (with citation) and explain.
Blog Rubric 10 pts
Blog entry adequately responds to guided question sheet or posted prompt supporting evidence, and thoughtful analysis | Blog entry answers the question with some detail and supporting evidence. | Blog entry does not fully answer question, lacks detail and evidence. |
Few to no mechanical and grammatical errors | Some mechanical and grammatical errors, no hindrance to meaning | Mechanical and/or grammatical errors hinder meaning |
Critical response that includes personal reactions thoughtfully supported. | Works to connect personally to material, but with little or no support. | Lacks critical thinking about personal reactions. |
Analyzes and reflects on material from class and readings discussed. Relevant connections made. | Works to show some analysis and reflection on material from class and readings discussed. Attempt to make connections. | Does not analyze or reflect on material from class and readings. No relevant connections made. |
Comments Rubric 5 pts
Comments go beyond agreement or disagreement with author. Try: “I see…” “Have you considered…” “A question I have is….” | Attempts to go beyond agreement. | Only states unsupported opinion. |
Addresses specific points made by the author and adds insight. | Addresses some specific points and adds a small amount of insight. | Does not address author’s comments. |
