In this class, these weekly interactive forums, exercises, and film reviews take the place of on-campus classroom activities. You should participate and complete assignments each week. To receive full credit for discussions, you need to respond to other student's posts. Credit will only be given for those who submit work in a timely fashion.

More credit will be given for students who contribute original content, bring in relevant outside information, or bring in their own personal insights.

Less or no credit will be given to those who just repeat what others have already said, or just copy and paste material from the text or the web. Write in your own words, in your own voice. Every quarter, there are a few students who just use web search/copy/paste to take the place of their own ideas. That is not acceptable.

Let's begin this week's discussion with the definition of "Art" and "Asia."

Each student may start a discussion on "Art" or "Asia" by restating and addressing one of the following questions, or introduce a related question/topic for discussion. Do not answer all the questions below.

1. Start with a descriptive title for the discussion (1 point)
2. Answer one of the questions or address another topic related to Art and/or Asia. (3 points.)
3. Bring an image into the discussion. Use the "Embed Image" icon (it looks like a little picture of a mountain with a sun). Identify and explain how the image relate to the post. (1 point)
4. Other students may join that discussion by expanding upon it or providing other examples. Be sure to address the other student by name and include the title of the discussion. (5 points maximum. Each response or example may be worth 1-2 points. Comment must enhance or contribute to the discussion.)

Post early. Remember to go back to comment to earn full credit for the assignment. Comments that repeat ideas already expressed and responses that do not contribute to the discussion will earn less or no points.

Questions: (Do not answer all the questions.) On "Art." What is art?

What is the purpose of art?

How is art relevant or significant for a society or culture?

On "Asia." What images, ideas, concepts, beliefs, attitudes, and traditions do people associate with Asia?

List some stereotypes/misconceptions often associated with Asian people or countries.

What is wrong with these stereotypes? What are some ways to change or correct these ideas?