First. There are several discussion threads.

• There is the main thread or threads (never more than two), where students respond to prompts based on source material/readings.
• There is the ‘haiku thread,’ which occurs during weeks 2, 4, 6 and 8. 
• And this, the ‘share’ thread, which happens during weeks 1, 3, 5, 7 and 9. 

Think of the ‘share’ as sort of a pressure release valve for the course. Or a way to build some learning community. But also as something that I believe it’s good to get in the habit of doing–sharpening our powers of observation, in this case relating to observations you make during the term that relate to theory and theoretical insights you’ve had. 

So most anything goes here, as long as it is clear you’ve put some effort into it and stayed faithful to the course’s subject matter. I would much prefer that your observations have to do with something you’ve noticed–it could be some interaction you observed on a morning commute in the car, bus, train, bicycle, on foot, etc. It could be something from a newscast. It could relate to race, class, gender, age, or any one of a number of ways that populations exhibit structure, and yet diversity. Something sparked by a reading, a reminiscence, not many strictures here, other than trying to tie it somehow to the course and what you’re learning.

The point is to pay more attention to making sense of observations, seeing how the abstract and concrete can complement each other.

So the weekly share is worth up to five points for the week, I would love to see people interacting and carrying on discussion in there, because that way I know that some sharing is actually taking place, being received, and reciprocated. 

You will find the weekly share discussion links in the Canvas modules, one in each weekly module. 

25 points possible, 5 x 5 / week (wks 1, 3, 5, 7 & 9)