| Title of Article + Proper MLA Citation for Works Cited page |
Melzer, Dan. “Understanding Discourse Communities.” Writing Spaces, vol. 3, 2020. |
| Summarize the article — include your reaction, thoughts, anything to help you remember its claims. 100 to 150 words |
In “Understanding Discourse Communities”, Dan Melzer brings to light each of the essential characteristics that he believes to make up all proper discourse communities. He explains the relevance of the commonly understood goals that direct each discourse as well as the methods by which members communicate ideas, feedback and such. Melzer then covers how varying genres within discourses influence progress of the group, and the role that experts (of their discourse) play in maintaining an equilibrium within these communities. In support of each of his discourse-cornerstones, Melzer includes an all-encompassing example from his personal life. After defining discourse, Melzer goes on to describe its importance to college writers, and how they can shape essays accordingly, backing this portion of the essay with a historical example. Similar to that of Kerry Dirk, Melzer closes his work with a set of analytical questions for the reader to consider. |
| Define new terms and concepts by quoting or paraphrasing the original author. |
Lexis = language |
| How does this reading connect to other articles from class and/or your own research?
|
Melzer’s essay connects to what we read of James Gee, in that they both use quite a few words to outline the meaning of ‘discourse’. It also connects to the essay that we read about genre, as Melzer includes thoughts on the importance of genre in the development of discourse. |
| Based on the reading, craft one question to act as a springboard for class discussion. |
Provide a descriptive example of a discourse to which you belong. Bonus points if you believe yourself to be an expert of that community. |
