This class uses a Bitnet listserv to manage discussion. The samples here have the students' last names and e-mail addresses removed, but the headers and other text are still included.
The samples here have all the messages, including off-topic messages. The presentation is messy, but it shows the total output of the class for that period. I've divided the messages by week because of the large file size.
All these messages are the property of their authors. Please do not reproduce any portion of these discussions without first requesting my permission.
February 1996, week 1 (49k)
February 1996, week 2 (130k)
February 1996, week 3 (96k)
February 1996, week 4 (119k)
The message below are specific threads, all taken from the Ancient section of the Fall 1996 class. Here I have tidied things up considerably, and have chosen only sets of related messages.
Notice in particular how almost from the beginning of the semester (these messages all date from late August to mid-September) the students spontaneously learn to quote their sources--it simply is a necessity in this medium. Other apsects worth noting: the obvious evidence that not only are the students reading, they are reading carefully and they are reading beyond the required text. Also, note the dynamics of the language: some people mainly ask questions, some are very confident, some take time to thank and encourage the others.
Why were the Greeks unable to create a lasting empire?
Dr. E.L. Skip Knox
Boise State University
Last revised 24 April 1997