Midterm Discussion Board

PART ONE: You must write an original post for 2 of the first 5 prompts. Each group member can choose their own 2 prompts for original posts. The guidelines provide specific instructions about what should be included in these posts, and the rubric should also prove helpful here. You must respond to at least 2 of your small group members’ original posts. Again, specific instructions about what these replies should look like can be found in the discussion board guidelines provided below.

PART TWO: Everyone in your small group must respond to the prompt related to theories. You must respond to at least one other Part 2 post.

Prompts for Mid-Term Small Group Discussion Boards Choose 2 and create an original post for each on the discussion board.

1. After reading ‘Growing up in Rural America,’ discuss how the unique physical, social, and cultural characteristics of rural areas shape the life paths of children raised in these environments. Discuss the long-term effects for those who decide to remain in their rural communities versus those who choose to leave. Additionally, after reading ‘Life in Rural America’ and examining the information on rural Arkansas, identify and elaborate on four aspects that particularly captured your attention. Explain why these points stood out to you and how they connect to the broader themes of rural life.”

2. How does social capital enhance the resilience of communities during crises? Find and provide an example of a community that has shown such resilience? (Be sure and explain how this community demonstrated resilience.) Additionally, discuss your thoughts on the importance of social capital in fostering stronger, more cohesive communities.

3. How does community spirit manifest in small towns? Find and share an example of a recent event or initiative that highlights this sense of community in a rural area? Describe an example that comes to your mind when you think about small town community spirit?

4. How can the expansion of broadband internet access in rural communities impact a) economic development, b) education, and c) healthcare in those areas?

5. Considering the key characteristics of effective rural leaders and the strategies they use to improve their communities, how can a leader balance maintaining traditional values with introducing innovative solutions to address modern challenges? Provide examples from the readings to support your points.

Prompt for Required Question. Create an original post on the discussion board.

1. Choose one of the following topics: Rural-urban migration, job opportunities, broadband access, or food insecurity. Choose and apply two of the sociological theories (Structural Functionalism, Conflict Theory, Symbolic Interactionism, Ecological systems Theory) to your chosen topic. Define the theoretical concepts of each theory and explain how each theory provides a different perspective and understanding of the topic. (See example application in Lesson 2.)

Midterm Grading Rubric:

Representation of information in Original Response to Prompts 30 Points

Demonstrates an accurate understanding of important concepts, makes connections to course readings/media AND provides some analysis and new insight.

Relevance of Replies to Group Members Posts 30 Points

Substantive replies with connections to the readings or media AND insight into the issue

Delivery of Posts 20 Points

Consistent use of correct grammar and rare misspellings

Citations 20 Points

Accurate in-text citations with every response and includes page # for direct quotes

Points Available: 100