Discussion 1

4
Notes
	•	Assignment Focus: You are encouraged to cite comments from authorities briefly. Talk more about your understanding of, experience with, and opinions on the topics.
	•	Late Initial Replies: Late submission of the initial reply will result in a 6% deduction from the overall assignment grade. The initial reply must be submitted within 4 days of the due date. Otherwise, it won't be accepted. If you submit late, please notify your instructor for an updated grade.
	•	Late Replies to Classmates: Late submission of replies to classmates will not be accepted.
Submissions and Their Requirements
	•	An initial reply to the discussion
	◦	Follow Steps 1-7 in the directions below.
	◦	Fully address both topics.
	◦	Write a minimum of 750 words. State the total word count (e.g. Total word count: 845 words) at the top of your initial reply.
	•	Three or more replies to classmates
	◦	Follow Step 8 in the directions below.
	◦	Write a minimum of 200 words total. It is not necessary to state the word count in any of your replies to classmates.
Directions
Make an initial reply to the discussion and fully address both major topics (Steps 1-7 below). Then make three or more replies to your classmates (Step 8 below).
Initial Reply
Total Word Count
Write the total word count (e.g. Total word count: 845 words) at the top of your initial reply.
Note: A word count will appear near the bottom-right corner of the text box.

Topic 1
	1.	Draw excerpts from Islamic, Buddhist, or Hindu scriptures.
	2.	Provide interpretations of the excerpts.
	3.	Use a personal experience or a historical event to illuminate what the excerpts mean to you.
Topic 2
	4.	Select a news report or article about religions, literature, science, medicine, business, education, etc. related to India. Provide its title, source (BBC, Economist, New York Times, etc.), web link/attached file, and publication date. It must have been published within the last 4 years.
	5.	Summarize the news report or article.
	6.	Talk about your opinions on the subject matter and provide supporting evidence.
	7.	Make connections with your study of India. Provide passages and page numbers from the textbook or the online readings.
Three Replies to Classmates
	8.	Make three or more replies to your classmates. Your replies should be substantive and relevant to the discussion. Note: As you look for classmates to reply to, please count the number of replies that each person has already received. If a person has already received three replies, find a different classmate to reply to.