Please review the Unit 1 Discussion Example in the How to Succeed module. The topic for this unit's discussion is below, but the criteria for success are outlined and modeled in the Unit 1 Discussion Example.
Begin by carefully reading Sundiata and the Unit 5 content.
This discussion aligns with Learning Outcomes 2 and 3.
Summary of Key Tasks
- Post and cite three short passages from Sundiata that relate to your major, minor, job, or career interest (see examples below).
- Provide a thorough explanation for why you chose the passages and how they relate to your studies or work, answering questions like the ones listed in Part Two.
- Respond to at least two classmates' posts.
Task
In 2-3 well-developed paragraphs discuss the topic listed below. After you have posted to the discussion, respond in detail to the posts of at least two other classmates. Be sure your citations reference the text found in this course.
An epic provides readers with a snapshot of an entire world--big, messy, sprawling, and complicated. As you read, consider how the text of Sundiataconnects to your own academic and professional life. For example, if you are in ROTC, look into the various military campaigns described. Those studying education might think about Sundiata’s psychosocial development in childhood or adolescence. Civil engineers might consider how people traveled across the Mali empire. Business majors will likely be interested in the ways goods and ideas are exchanged.
Part 1
Locate at least three brief passages from within the epic (of a sentence or two) that you can, in some way, connect with your major, minor, job, volunteer work, etc. (if you have not declared a major, select a field of study or career you are considering). Copy and paste these passages into your discussion post and include in-text citations in MLA format.
Part 2
After you have shared your passages from the text, provide a thorough explanation of why you chose these specific quotations from the text and how they connect to your studies or work life.
Some questions to consider:
- How does looking at the epic through your discipline or job change your understanding of the epic or your interest in the passages you have shared?
- What might this epic reveal about your own field?
- What links can you make between this epic and your studies or work life?
- What do you find surprising or unexpected about these connections?
Grading Criteria
This activity may use a different grading rubric than what is used in other activities. Be sure to check the rubric before starting.
MLA-formatted parenthetical citations are required for all sources, including the texts provided in this course. Citations should include the author’s last name (first reference) and the page number(s) for prose or the line number(s) for poems. A Works Cited-style entry is not required for discussions, (all drop-box assignments do require a Works Cited page), but if included, your instructor may provide feedback to correct formatti