Bartholomae, David "Inventing the University"
From RhetorClick
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Abstract
This essay by David Bartholomae is focused primarily on theories behind composition and discourse communities; however, there are some interesting relations to rhetoric and audience. Bartholomae claims that students that have just begun college have to write with an academic style they have never used previously. These writers are completely inexperienced in academia and therefore cannot write on the same level as academics.
Summary
Bartholomae believes a key part of a Composition teachers’ job is to do exactly what Bizzell (1982) urges: to “demistify” academic discourse for these academically inexperienced students. Although he admits that academic discourse can be mysterious even to academics, he still proposes some practical ideas for teaching it. He suggests teaching students commonplace terms and conventions of academic discourse. Students must learn their audience’s values.[1] By building bridges between student and professor, a common ground and respect can be achieved. It is difficult for students to attempt and succeed at breaking the authority of the audience. Before a student even begins to compose a piece in the University, he or she has to be completely comfortable and fluent in the code and idiosyncrasies of the audience. It is extremely important to have a clear understanding of the audience in order to get on the same level.
