What I am looking for in responses, comments, and replies?

	Specificity: Perhaps I have been unable to escape my graduate training in new criticism (formalism) many years ago, but a response that skillfully uses the words of a piece of literature to support assertions seems more credible and engaging than one that merely makes general reference to the text. When you include a quoted phrase follow it with a parenthetical page reference. Of course, these references are more useful if we are all using the same editions.
	Organization: Short pieces of writing, such as the 250-word responses that you will write in this class, may not require the complex structure of a 5-page paper, but a clear focus is critical. One way to help yourself discover your focus and to help your readers see it, is to employ thesis statements or topic sentences.
	Care: I expect that you will write your six major responses in a word processing program and then cut and paste them into the Discussion Board after you have run the spell checker and proofread carefully. Whatever method you use, I hope I am not distracted by grammatical or mechanical errors.
	Development: The six major responses that you write in this course must be at least 250-words in length. The italicized phrase indicates that longer responses are acceptable. Padding a response with repetition, paraphrase of the plot, overly long quotations, off-topic ramblings, or general wordiness will hurt rather than help your grade; however, fully developed ideas will likely receive higher grades.
	Energy: We are fortunate to be studying subject matter that is entertaining. Your responses should reflect your interaction with the texts. Having fun with the writing that you do in this course is permitted and encouraged.
	Personality: Although I expect you to write effectively and carefully, I do not require that all of your responses maintain an aloof objectivity. Any discussion of literature is also a discussion of ourselves as well.
	Involvement: I hope that you will read other students' responses and reply to some of them. Your replies will be an important part of your work in this course, and for that reason, I will grade your active participation in the "course discussion" separately.

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