2012 Rules of Engagement

Responses to questions on this website are designed to generate "virtual dialogue." By virtual we do not mean something that looks like conversation but isn't. Instead, we mean REAL conversation in a virtual environment--the blog.

Dr. Steve Benton

The sort of conversation we're looking for is academic in character. Thus, your responses should be clear, concise statements of your ideas crafted in standard English (not text-speak--some of us are old!). They should be long enough to convey your thoughts, but short enough for other readers to read and respond to fairly quickly. In short, you don't want your responses to be so long that you monopolize (or kill) the conversation by going on, and on, and on.....(we all know how irritating that can be!).

Obviously, responses should not use profanity. They should be civil and respectful. People do not always agree. Responses can be critical; however, all communication is expected to be courteous and professional. Contributor's positions may be questioned; their character should not.

When should I begin posting my responses?
As soon as you have read the opening pages of The Immortal Life of Henrietta Lacks. After you've read later chapters, you can read the questions associated with them (don't respond to a question about chapter twenty-five until you have read chapters one through twenty-five).

How many questions should I respond to?

We do not expect you to respond to each question, but you should respond to several representing different sections of the book.  

How much should I write?

Your responses should add up to a sum total of not less than 750 words.  Don't try to load up all 750 words into one or two comments.  You should also respond to comments left by other readers. And pose questions to other readers. (Check back later to see if anyone has responded to your comments-and respond to their responses.)  All of this writing will count toward your word total.

Where do I post my responses?
At the bottom of each question post, you will find a "comment" link. If it has a "0" beside it, that means no one has commented yet; as more people comment, the number will go up. (Click here to see a list of all the chapters that have questions associated with them.) When you're ready to weigh in, click on the "comments" button, read any previous comments, and start writing. Please sign your posts. And use your real name--not a nickname--so we can get to know each other).

How will this affect my grade in Enduring Questions: Perspectives from Western Humanities?

Your grade on this assignment will represent approximately 1/8th of your writing grade for the course.

More questions?
E-mail us at sbenton@ecok.edu!