Discussion Board Forum Instructions

In this course, Discussion Boards Forums play an exceptionally important role. The readings are relatively short to allow for substantial reflection, personal research, and quality discussion to occur. Consider these threads and replies to be formal communications on the same level as those you would conduct with employers, clients, or colleagues in the professional, political, or academic world. As such, they must be free of grammatical errors, must be properly formatted in current Turabian style, and must consist of well-reasoned, contemplative, and substantive posts and replies, rather than mere ipse dixit. These threads and replies must provide citations to the sources of or support for your ideas as well as any quoted materials and/or borrowed ideas.

Open, courteous discussion will yield the greatest opportunities for growth in this course. Both responding to other students and responding to the instructor will count as 1 reply post. Remember that the art of communication is in many ways the essence of effective political leadership. Everything you write—every paper, post, and email—creates or reinforces an impression of you. You are encouraged to begin to cultivate the communication skills of the statesmen and stateswomen—the ability to logically and persuasively speak the truth with compassion and respect.

You will compose an original post presenting your own interpretation of the assigned prompt, writing at least 1000 words.

Original posts must include at least 10 references to the course readings and 1 Scripture reference in addition to any other sources you wish to include.

QUESTION:  Topic:  How do Natural Law concepts in the Social Contract ideas of Hobbes, Locke, and Rousseau change from their Classical, Medieval Christian, and Reformed Christian formulations?  Be sure to include a discussion of the separation of religious and political offices, toleration of religious pluralism, statesmanship, democracy, and positive law/public policy formation