Philosophy of Documentaries: the blog!

Welcome to Philosophy 199: Philosophy of Documentaries!

I dunno about you, but I'm excited for a totally awesome semester, watching some pretty cool films and having some heady discussions about them!

So, about this blog. I want it to be a place for serious discussion about the films and readings, but also a place where you're a little freer to express creative thoughts and to hear your classmates' thoughts. Here are the guidelines that I expect you to follow:

1. First, a reminder about the 'grade-worth' of this blog: it is worth the majority of your grade, 55%. You're expected to post and respond once every week. Your posts (make them 'New Posts') should be on the order of 300-600 words: definitely no shorter, and, in general, try not to make them too long and avoid rambling missives. I will post prompts each week to which you may respond; or you may discuss your own topic, as long as it is related to the material that we cover that week (film or readings). While no elaborate style is required for the posts, and I encourage you not to sacrifice thoughtfulness and creativity, they should have some argumentative structure – i.e., you are making claim(s) that you defend. Posts should be proofread and spell-checked like any paper would be.

In addition, you should also read and respond (at any length -- though again, not crazy-long) to at least one of your classmate’s postings each week. I hope that you will be inspired to read many, if not all, of them, and respond if the feeling strikes you, but you will only be required to read and respond to one. Both your post and your response will be due before the start of the following week’s class.

2. Etiquette: No flaming, no name-calling, no rudeness, no personal attacks. I'm sure this won't be an issue, but it needs to be said. Be polite and be charitable in your responses, even if you disagree with someone (and I for one will be sorely disappointed if we all agree all the time!) This is, of course, a worthy rule to follow in most any circumstance, not just for this blog -- and thus good practice.

3. Please do not edit or delete posts other than your own.

4. Please tag your posts with your name. This will help me for grading purposes. You can also add other relevant tags, if you'd like, but need not. Please tag in all lowercase letters (blogger is case-sensitive, sadly).

5. Posting or commenting on this blog is closed -- restricted to those of us in the class. However, it is publicly viewable. All the more reason to be respectful, but don't be shy about sharing the content with your peers!

6. Please let me know if any part of this confuses you in any way, or you have any suggestions regarding the blog!