Class, Mon, 9/16

Gee, Discourse

James Paul Gee argues for the usefulness of thinking in terms of discourses rather than languages or codes or literacies. I’d like us to spend our time today thinking about what doing this might mean. Let’s start by trying to figure out exactly what Gee means by discourse—and what the differences between a primary and secondary discourse are. Here are some terms I highlighted in my rereading of the first half (pp. 5–9) of his essay:

social practice, saying (writing)-doing-being-valuing-believing combinations, ways of being, identity kit, second language, enculturation, apprenticeship, conflict and tension, primary or home discourse, family, clan, peer group, non-home-based institutions, secondary discourse, dominant and nondominant, interfere and transfer, literacy as mastery of a secondary discourse

Groups

With a partner (or two): See if you can use these terms to define what you think Gee might mean by discourse, primary discourse, and secondary discourse. Pay particular attention to terms that you find hard to integrate into your definitions. Why do these terms pose problems for you?

Fastwrite

Think back to your reading of Lu, Mellix, Pratt, and/or Lambeth. Are there any ways in which Gee’s idea of discourse helps you see their work in new ways? Are there any ways in which their stories and ideas pose problems for Gee?

To Do

1. Mon, 9/16, 4:00 pm: Group C posts responses to Gloria Anzaldúa’s “How to Tame a Wild Tongue”.
2. Tues, 9/17, 4:00 pm: Everyone else reads Group C’s responses and posts comments on at least two.
3. Wed, 9/18, class: We will use those responses and comments to structure our class discussion of Anzaldúa.
4. Wed, 9/18, 4:00 pm: Group A posts responses to Richard Rodriguez’s “The Achievement of Desire”.
5. Thurs, 9/19, 4:00 pm: Everyone else reads Group A’s responses and posts comments on at least two.
6. Fri, 9/13, class: We will use those responses and comments to structure our class discussion of Rodriguez.
7. Mon, 9/23, class: Read Jay Dolmage’s “Breathe Upon Us”. I will lead our discussion.