Q The goal of this discussion is for you to spend some time with a theory or concept of your choosing, analyze the theory/concept, and then critique the theory/concept. But this will also help you familiarize yourself with writing for the upcoming exam. Procedure You will be required to: • Make an initial post by Thursday by 11:59 PM EST. Your post should be 300–500 words in length responding to the assignment prompt below. • Reply to a minimum of two different classmates' posts by Sunday at 11:59 PM EST. Your replies should be a minimum of 150 words. You should respond critically, but professionally in your reply and leave the author something to respond to such as a question. Steps 1. Initial Post: To get started, make your initial post to the discussion by Thursday by 11:59 PM EST. Your post should include the following: Part I: Choose a Theory/Concept Choose a theory or concept from the course you felt is compelling, interesting, useful, etc. Any concept we’ve covered in the Lesson Modules or the Assigned Readings is fair game. Then create a discussion post in which you: o Define the concept/theory: Remember to define the concept/theory. How do the experts define the concept/theory you’ve chosen? o Analyze the concept. Remember, analysis is the process of breaking a complex topic or concept into smaller parts in order to gain a better understanding of it. This portion doesn’t have to be extensive. Be sure you’re demonstrating an understanding of the basic components of the theory/concept/approach you choose. The bulk of your post should be focused on Part II (below). Example: In Part I you’ll define the concept using the expert’s words and then you’ll simply describe how you understand the definition given by the experts. For example Miller defines concept X as “provide definition” (p. x). To me, this means, (describe the concept in your own words). Again, this does not need to be long. You’re setting the foundation for your critique in part II. Part II: Play Devil's Advocate In Part II of your discussion post, critique the chosen theory/concept. What is missing? What doesn’t work? What does the research supporting the theory/concept not account for? Use your experience and critical thinking skills to support your critique. For example, if a theory/concept talks about stages of group development, compare that to what you’ve seen and experienced in real life. Maybe in your experience, groups don’t develop in such a linear fashion. The goal is to critique the theory/concept with comparisons to your personal experience Summary To summarize: Part I – Define and discuss the theory/concept you’ve chosen. Then, Part II critiques it using your personal experience(s). 2. Reply Posts: Read and comment on at least two of your classmates' posts. Your replies are due by Sunday at 11:59 PM EST. After posting your initial post, read your classmates' posts and provide substantive feedback. For example, do you agree or disagree with their version of the concept? Why/why not? What did she/he offer that mirrors your experience or gives you something else to think about? Remember the word substantive. “I agree” posts won’t work here. Your responses need to demonstrate that you’ve read your classmates’ posts and have something to say back – e.g. an informed opinion. See sample response for an effective, structured response by reviewing the Discussion Note: How do I comment effectively? page. To reiterate, you should reply to as many classmates' posts as you would like, but be sure to reply to a minimum of 2 different posts by the deadline listed in the course calendar. Your replies should be a minimum of 150 words. You should respond critically, but professionally in your reply and leave the author something to respond to such as a question. Grading You will be graded on the quality of the following: • Your definition and application of the concept – e.g. how do the experts define the theory/concept and examples used to illustrate the theory/concept in action. • Demonstrated depth and reasoning of your explanation. E.g. demonstrated understanding of the concept and articulation of its meaning/significance to you. • The substance of your responses to classmates in the Discussion Group.