Blog for class

Now that this unit (and our course) is nearing its end, reflect on your understanding, throughout the term so far, of the term “activity system” and its related concepts. Provide your revised definition/understanding of the term “activity system” and its elements. How does writing “get stuff done” in activity systems? Be specific where possible, including references to course readings, examples, or other information to support your ideas. To be honest i never heard of the term "activity system" till this class. Then I learned that it is also known as a " activity theory." My revised understanding of its meaning is that same as when i learned about it, it is a group of people coming together in order to meet a certain goal. I did learn the purpose of a activity theory, which is "Analyzing how the parts of a system work together to better anticipate participants needs and goals."(pp 402) There are other purposes stated on this page i just chose this one...

Answer question 1 on page 424 of Writing About Writing (at the end of Wardle’s article): “Drawing on Wardle (who cites Wenger), what are the three ways that newcomers try to belong in a new community? Give a specific example to illustrate each ‘mode of belonging.’ Then consider why a newcomer might choose not to participate in some aspect of a new community.” The three ways are Engagement, Imagination and Alignment. Engagement is when a new comers inter acts with one of the older members of a group, to try to learn the ropes. Imagination is when a new comer brings new ideas to the group, they try to be engaged with the group. Alignment is when a new comer is trying to figure out the boundaries with the older member of the group. A new comer might choose not to participate because they feel like they do not yet belong to the group. They are afraid they might not fit in with everyone else. Answer question 6 on page 424 of Writing About Writing (at the end of Wardle’s article): “Th...

Answer question 1 on page 317 of Writing About Writing (at the end of Mirabelli’s article): “How does Mirabelli begin his article? What can you infer from it about his intended audience(s) and purpose(s) from the way he begins? What are the effects for his audience of the way he begins?”         I think he starts out his article good, he gives the name of the website, so if you wanted too you can go to that website and see it for yourself. He gives examples of the hate mail posted abut serves at restaurants. He gives both the good and bad emails received. I think it effects his audience is a good way because he gives them a situation that almost everyone can relate to. Answer question 7 on page 317 of Writing About Writing (at the end of Mirabelli’s article): “Do you now or have you ever participated in a discourse community that is strongly stereotyped in the ways that restaurant work is stereotyped (for example, a football team or sorority)? Wh...

What do you think, currently, about the primary threshold concept for this project unit? (“Writing helps people make meaning and get things done, but there are always constraints.”) What do you think it means? Have you thought about this concept before reading about it in our textbook? If so, in what terms, or in what way, have you thought about this idea? I agree with this concept. I think that writing can be very affective but I think some areas are left out, and this is where this concept can help to cover those areas. I think it means that we can come up with a creative way to present an idea or message to a group of people that everyone will understand.  I have never thought of this idea before taking this class. Answer question 1 from page 406 of Writing About Writing (at the end of Kain and Wardle’s introduction to activity theory): “Explain in your own words what an activity system is, and give three examples of activity systems with which you are fami...

Now that this unit is nearing its end, reflect on your understanding, throughout the term so far, of the term “literacy sponsorship” and its related concepts. Provide your revised definition/understanding of the term “literacy sponsor” and its elements. How does literacy sponsorship apply to you? Be specific where possible, including references to course readings, examples, or other information to support your ideas. I never viewed literacy sponsorship the way I do now. I know know that literacy sponsorship can be viewed in a variety of ways. It can be from people who want you to succeed to institutions that you work for, like the military, that want you to succeed.  This term applies to me in more ways than i thought. As i did the lessons in this unit it became more apparent to me that I have had a few literacy sponsors in my life. When I had to come up with a list of sponsors or write  a paper on my literacy sponsorships. When i read the story of Malcom X, I coul...