We’ll begin by reading a couple of paragraphs of Gee’s “Literacy, Discourse, Linguistics: An Introduction” (1989) together.

Group Work

In groups, you will be assigned a section of Gee’s text to closely read. Using the materials provided to create a poster, please produce the following:

1. A summary of Gee’s ideas in your own words. Use a quote directly from Gee when useful.
2. An example (or examples) from your own experience(s).

Each group will share their work with the class, and we will take any questions, critiques, or additional readings of Gee before moving on.

Individual In-Class Writing

Gee describes Discourse as “a sort of ‘identity kit’ which comes complete with the appropriate costume and instructions on how to act, talk, and often write, so as to take on a particular role that others will recognize” (1989, p. 7). Write about a discourse community to which you belong and try to use Gee’s words to explain that community to me. What are some examples of “how to act, talk, [or] write” in your community? Where does your discourse community convene or gather? Is there a physical space or a virtual one or both? Who are the members of this community and what brings them together? Try to explain your discourse community to me in detail, and keep in mind that I’m probably an outsider to the community. This will be a draft of Blog Post 1.

HOMEWORK

Write Blog Post 1 by developing your in-class writing. Your final post should be about 300 words and should engage Gee’s text in some way. Include a citation in your post (use can use the APA citation I’ve included below!). This is due before class on Tuesday, Sept. 17.

Read Johns’ “Discourse Communities & Communities of Practice.”

Work Cited

Gee, J.P. (1989). Literacy, Discourse, Linguistics: An Introduction. The Journal of Education, 171(1), 5-13.