Here is a requirement dropped by the teacher, ”
Implicit vs. Explicit Use of Lecture Material
A couple of words you will see a lot if you read everything I provide for you are “explicit” and “explicitly.” I just want to make sure everyone understands what I mean by those words.
Here is an example of an implicit conceptual use: “Contemporary politics in the U.S. reflect binary ideology.”
Here is an example of an explicit conceptual use: “Contemporary politics in the U.S. reflect ‘a system of widely shared ideas about distinctions and separations that can distort the similarities among groups of people or policy positions and differences within a group of people or policy positions’ (Binary Ideology, 6:12-6:28 + 12:17-18:56), a system labeled “binary ideology.”
See the difference?
You should aim for explicit applications of lecture material (w/citations) in all your written work for this course, including Discussions posts. Not doing so risks your ability to achieve the success [I hope] you’re seeking in the course.
“So, what, every time I write “binary ideology” or another concept in a post or the paper, I have to include all that lecture language?” Well, no. Once you have explicitly explained the conceptual meanings/attributes on which you are relying in your post/paper, then you can just use the conceptual label.
“But you already know all that language, Professor Distel. Why do I have to tell you what you already know?” Well, because I don’t know what you know, and your posts and the paper are two avenues you have for telling me what you know, understand, and are able to apply accurately. And too, each lecture concept has attributes, one or two of which could be more appropriate in your use-context than other attributes. Posts, papers, short answer/essay exam responses are your work, not mine, so it’s best to avoid forcing me to guess what you mean — because I won’t.
“My other professors don’t require this kind of explicitness. It seems like nitpicky busywork to me.” I can be only this professor in this course at this time. The discussions and the paper are ways I can gauge whether you have in fact consumed, considered, and understand course material. Your efforts to be explicit also help me gauge how effectively I am communicating lecture material.
“I’m concerned I will forget to be as explicit as you want us to be.” Then try writing to an Uninformed Audience, a reader completely unfamiliar with course material. If it helps, put a face on that reader (a co-worker, family member, friend, etc.) and write with them as your intended audience. If you don’t unconsciously rely on my knowledge, you make it more likely you will demonstrate your knowledge — explicitly.”
Here are links related to the assignment given in the pdf file on the Tasks requirement
https://mediasite.osu.edu/Mediasite/Play/621e3e053ece495eb022961cdefe102f1d
https://mediasite.osu.edu/Mediasite/Play/5fac86fee65b4a7380ab2bea9e88ee3d1d
