Why We Call Things Porn: The Broader Use of the Word “Porn”

This week's discussion board assignment is in three parts.
1. In this module, we're continuing our work on critical thinking, and in particular, reading as a way of thinking. In the module, we developed tools for reading carefully, including underlining, highlighting, paraphrasing, and others. In this assignment, we'll focus on summarizing. Reading carefully and making a summary helps one to grasp an argument. This fact may be so obvious, that it's why most students often ignore this point. It really does help, and so we'll write a one page (200-300 word) of a longer article. Your job in your first post is to write a one page (200-300 word) summary of this article: "Why we call things porn", New York Times, by Nguyen, CT and Williams, B, July 26, 2019. I encourage you to make use of the lessons in this week's module -- you may choose to print the article, or use software to underline, highlight, paraphrase, preview, annotate. However, your final product will be a summary. Read the chapter carefully and review the module materials to be sure you understand the difference. This is due Wednesday by 9pm.
2. In the third and final reply, you'll write a longer criticism of the summary that another student posted. In order to ensure that everyone gets a peer-reviewed reply, and that no student gets many, in your second post simply "claim" a thread for yourself. You can do this simply by typing "Hi, Robert. This is interesting, and I'll reply to your letter by the end of the week". Of course, if someone else has already "claimed" a thread, then please choose another. This strategy will guarantee that no two students are working to peer review the same essay. Please do this step as soon as possible, but no later than Friday at 9pm.
3. In your third post, write a short response (100-150 words, one or two paragraphs) in which you address each of the questions in the "checklist for getting started" (p 61 9/e, p.53 8/e, p.48 7/e). In your response, provide a peer review of the original summary, in which you offer helpful advice to improve the summary. Be specific, and speak directly to the article. You should make good use of the assumptions and points that the student found, in addition to any that you're able to identify. You are writing a short response, not a list of bullet points. This is due by Sunday at 9pm.
You must post three times to receive a passing grade, and your final post is due by Sunday at 9PM. The discussion thread will close for grading at that time, though it will remain open during the entire term for your review. Please review the Discussion Protocol and Rubrics listed in the class syllabus for a description of meaningful posts that will earn the highest grade. Namely, I am looking for two things: (1) quality of engagement with the course material, as demonstrated by reference to the text or outside resources, and (2) originality of thought, as demonstrated by the student's ability to synthesize the material from the lesson and then apply it to a novel concept. Please do not ever "edit" a post once it's submitted. Ask a question if you are unsure about this policy.
You must start a thread before you can read and reply to other threads