Grading Mode

Class,

I am in grading mode on your wikis.  Because of this different approach to teaching a class, I'm not going to consider any of your projects complete yet.  That means that I am giving you an opportunity to update your wikis that incorporate my suggestions before a final grade is given.

Remember, I want you all to make a high grade in this class.  Here is some specific feedback to help you do your best:


Linking to main page
A major example of one thing that bothers me:  Students did not link back to the primary page to identify their subject.  When I start at the Baroque period, I expect to be able to go to the main page of your individual topic.  The same is true with the Classical period and Romantic Period.  (please fill in your topics on the Romantic Period page).  Realize this - your project isn't complete until you provide that initial link to your main source of information.


Links to scholarly articles
When you provide a link to your scholarly article, look to provide a "stable" link (also described as a persistent link to this record).  Otherwise, I can't find your article and give you credit.



Missed opportunities
I see certain missed opportunities in your wiki entries.  Here is what I mean (I'm going to use specific examples of student work as a way of providing feedback - since no one is penalized it seems OK).

• Russell and Charlotte do a thorough overview of the Baroque sonata.  However, they mention "Sonata da camera" and "Sonata da chiesa" under the topic "Different kinds of sonatas" and then do not provide a link to the different kind of sonata.  A better approach - create a page for each type of sonata and link to it.  And with the wonder of the internet, I might look for a YouTube video of each type of sonata.
• Chris and Kaitlyn link to outside sources of web pages - that is OK, but they miss an opportunity to create a new page that contains their own description of the material.  I would rather see their own version of those topics. They also mention tradegie lyrique and masque in their article with no real definition supplied - that's an opportunity to create a page that briefly defines each of those topics.
• I like the history that Cathy gave of tuning, but each of these could probably be given separate entries.  Also, I shouldn't have to copy/paste a hyperlink (see the bottom of the page) - I should just click it, right?
• Remember, encyclopedia articles are low on the totem pole of scholarly articles.  
• Internal linking to other students work is great and encouraged.
• This is a big deal:  don't misspell a composer's name.  (Haydn, not Hayden).  Make sure you haven't done that.
• If you have a composer as a topic, be thorough.  One paragraph isn't enough.  A major composer has different genres of composition - you should cover the major ones.  A brief life background and links to major compositions isn't enough.  When I click on a composer, I'm not looking for his life story.  I'm interested in his music, so I want to see an overview of his compositions, not the highlights from his life.
• If you have an individual work, make sure you go "in depth" on the work.  A cursory look isn't enough - explore each of the movements.  You should also go to the main composer page and insert a link to your work.

Please remember:

• I am more interested in the overall quality of your work rather than providing a grade.  Good grades will follow quality.
• I'm not trying to shame you if I've highlighted your page - I'm trying to provide specifics so that you know I am talking about you.