The Discussion Board (DB) is part of the core of online learning. Classroom discussion in an online environment requires the active participation of students and the instructor to create robust interaction and dialogue. Every student is expected to create an original response to the open-ended DB question as well as engage in dialogue by responding to posts created by others throughout the week. At the end of each unit, DB participation will be assessed based on both level of engagement and the quality of the contribution to the discussion.

At a minimum, each student will be expected to post an original and thoughtful response to the DB question and contribute to the weekly dialogue by responding to at least two other posts from students. The first contribution must be posted before midnight (Central Time) on Wednesday of each week. Two additional responses are required after Wednesday of each week. Students are highly encouraged to engage on the Discussion Board early and often, as that is the primary way the university tracks class attendance and participation.

The purpose of the Discussion Board is to allow students to learn through sharing ideas and experiences as they relate to course content and the DB question. Because it is not possible to engage in two-way dialogue after a conversation has ended, no posts to the DB will be accepted after the end of each unit.

Two criteria used to judge the quality of a work are craft (how well an artwork was made) and communication (the uniqueness of the artist’s vision and its message or meaning). Michelangelo Buonarroti and Leonardo da Vinci were considered masters of these two qualities. Compare a work of art from each artist using the following for discussion:

• Post the images you have selected.
• Describe what each work intended to communicate. How does each of the works communicate its message?
• Describe SPECIFIC techniques that each artist used to convey meaning. For example: composition, color, perspective, chiaroscuro, idealism, sfumato, gesture, size, symbolism, allegory.
• Be sure to identify where these techniques are used in the works you discuss. You may use the Internet to find the artwork.

You are required to comply with APA style format for quotations, internal citations, and a reference list. For additional information and resources on APA, visit the APA section of the Library, available under “Library Features.”

Peer responses can elaborate on the following topics:

• Look at the images that your peer has selected. Do you think he or she interpreted the artist’s message well? What do you think the artist trying to say?
• What other artist(s) from this time period do you feel demonstrate quality craft and communication through their artwork?
• What themes or techniques are used? Provide an example. 

In your own words, please post a response to the Discussion Board and comment on other postings. You will be graded on the quality of your postings.

For assistance with your assignment, please use your text, Web resources, and all course materials.  Please refer to the following multimedia course material(s):

• Unit 3: Art: Middle Ages and the Renaissance
• Unit 3: Middle Ages
• Unit 3: Medieval Culture & the Early Renaissance
• Unit 3: The Early, High and Northern Renaissance
• Unit 3: Renaissance