Writing your First Blog

Look at the assignment sheet and rubric to get you started writing. For this first week, you will want to pay close attention to the first FIVE bulleted questions!

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.