PADM 804 Discussion Guidelines
You will complete 2 Discussions in this course. You will post one thread of at least 750 words by 11:59 p.m. (ET) on Thursday of the assigned Module: Week. You must then post 2 replies of at least 250 words by 11:59 p.m. (ET) on Sunday of the assigned Module: Week. In Module 8: Week 8 you must submit your replies by no later than 11:59pm (ET) on Friday.
For each thread, you must support your assertions with at least 4 scholarly citations in current APA format. Each reply must incorporate at least 2 scholarly citations in current APA format. You must provide a biblical based support for your response. Acceptable sources include: course read items, peer-reviewed journal articles, and the Bible.
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What are the requirements for completing the discussion threads in PADM 804?,
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How many words must the initial thread and replies contain?,
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What is the deadline for posting threads and replies in Module 8?,
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How many scholarly citations are required for threads and replies, and in what format?,
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How should Biblical principles be incorporated into responses?
Comprehensive General Guidance
1. Requirements for Discussion Threads
In PADM 804, discussions are designed to engage students in critical thinking, application of course material, and scholarly dialogue. For each discussion:
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Initial Thread: Students must post a thread of at least 750 words by 11:59 p.m. (ET) on Thursday of the assigned Module Week.
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Replies: Students must post two replies of at least 250 words each by 11:59 p.m. (ET) on Sunday (except for Module 8, Week 8, where replies are due Friday).
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Scholarly Support: Each thread must include at least four scholarly citations in current APA format. Each reply must include at least two scholarly citations in APA format. Acceptable sources include:
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Course readings
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Peer-reviewed journal articles
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The Bible for Biblical-based support
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2. Structuring the Initial Thread
The initial discussion thread should demonstrate:
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Clear Thesis or Argument: Begin with a focused statement addressing the discussion prompt.
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Integration of Scholarly Sources: Use at least four citations to support your points, providing analysis rather than just summary.
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Biblical Perspective: Incorporate relevant Biblical principles to reinforce ethical, moral, or leadership points. Examples include:
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Stewardship and responsibility (Genesis 2:15)
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Cooperation and service to others (Ecclesiastes 4:9–10)
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Justice and fairness (Proverbs 21:3)
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Critical Analysis: Evaluate concepts, discuss implications, and connect theory to practical public administration contexts.
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Professional Tone: Maintain academic writing style, clear organization, and proper APA formatting.
3. Structuring Replies
Replies to peers are meant to foster discussion, collaboration, and reflection:
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Word Count: Each reply must be at least 250 words.
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Scholarly Support: Include at least two citations per reply in APA format.
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Biblical Integration: Connect responses to ethical or moral considerations based on Biblical principles.
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Engagement Strategies:
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Offer constructive feedback
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Ask thoughtful questions to expand discussion PADM 804 Discussion Guidelines Compare or contrast perspectives using evidence from readings or research
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Avoid simple agreement statements; instead, provide analysis or additional insights
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Salutation: Begin each reply with a polite and professional greeting, such as:
“Hello [Peer’s Name],” or “Dear [Peer’s Name],”
4. Deadlines and Time Management
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Initial Thread: Thursday, 11:59 p.m. (ET) of the assigned Module Week
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Replies: Sunday, 11:59 p.m. (ET) of the assigned Module Week
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Exception – Module 8: Replies must be submitted by Friday, 11:59 p.m. (ET)
Tip: Posting early allows for more meaningful interaction and gives peers time to respond thoughtfully.
5. APA and Citation Guidelines
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In-Text Citations: Use author-date style (e.g., Smith, 2020) and include page numbers when quoting directly.
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Reference List: Include all sources cited in-text, formatted according to the latest APA guidelines.
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Biblical Citation Example:
(New International Version, 2011, Gen. 2:15)
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Avoid Plagiarism: Summarize, paraphrase, and quote properly, ensuring originality in discussion contributions.
6. Biblical-Based Support
In all discussions and replies, incorporating Biblical principles provides ethical and moral grounding:
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Leadership and Wisdom: Proverbs 11:14 emphasizes seeking counsel for effective decision-making.
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Service and Cooperation: Ecclesiastes 4:9–10 highlights collaboration and mutual support.
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Integrity and Justice: Micah 6:8 and Proverbs 21:3 remind administrators to act justly and uphold moral responsibility.
These references should be used to strengthen arguments and illustrate ethical considerations in public administration.
Summary
To successfully meet PADM 804 discussion requirements:
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Post a 750-word initial thread with four scholarly citations and Biblical support.
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Post two replies of 250 words each with two citations per reply and Biblical integration.
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Use professional, academically-written language with APA formatting.
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Respect deadlines: Thursday for threads, Sunday for replies (Friday for Module 8).
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Engage critically, support arguments with evidence, and demonstrate ethical reflection.
Following these guidelines ensures discussions are meaningful, scholarly, and aligned with both course and Biblical principles.