Week 10 Blogs

In their article, Cushman and Monberg argue that, “we must adopt a responsible, socially reflexive approach to negotiating our authority in composition research, one that truly facilitates the kinds of boundary/border crossings that begin to reduce social distance” (167). The authors begin by discussing common issues pertaining to authority and representation and then give personal accounts in order to reaffirm the need for more reflexive approaches to daily living and scholarship. While the authors are writing for a scholarly audience, their assertions can be applied to the lives of the general population as well. Isn’t it ironic that I just separated the scholarly audience from the ‘general population’ as if I have the authority to do so?!

Topic of Invention: Advantageous

This article would be advantageous reading for anyone, particularly those involved in active research. One section that really hit home was where the authors are discussing repositioning as a complicated practice because, “those accustomed to the comfortable distance the academy often provides (in physical and intellectual locations) rarely seek to socialize with those outside their class and race” (177). It is ironic that for somebody who is constantly trying to figure out how to get a foot in the door at a university, I never really considered the actual, physical university as part of the barrier that keeps me out. I have always thought of myself as being on this journey with the intellectual/physical university location as my final destination and have never really deconstructed these institutions of scholarship for their authenticity as barriers to achieving my goals. I thought that they were inextricable linked, up until now. This article really changed the way that I see myself in relation to this institution that I have been so starved to become a part of.

In her article, Gail Okawa, “explores a growing awareness of critically conscious learning, teaching, and research” (283). She uses narrative and autobiographical style in order to convey her own research as well as to reinforce narrative and autobiography as useful, authentic, and irreplaceable means of scholarly discourse. While she is clearly addressing a scholarly audience, her style lends to the possibility of reaching a much broader audience.

Topic of Invention: Advantageous

I think that this was some of the most useful and poignant reading that I have done thus far. Okawa’s text was just so accessible. She manages to accomplish the same tasks as authors in ISMLL, but her narrative and autobiographical style really does lend to a deeper understanding of her underlying theory. I really like the possibility that the process of making a personal investment in students can expand our own knowledge as educators and end up being mutually empowering. When I think back to the professors, and people, that have truly impacted my life and empowered me (figuratively and literally), I am left with a tiny unique conglomerate of women who made an investment in me. Women who took the time to learn about who I am and how I write and what I think and where I came from- also (coincidentally?) women that are all still a part of my life and my continuing education beyond their classrooms, office hours, and dinner tables. That is the kind of professor I want to be. I looooved this article. It invigorated that little spark in me that has kept me yearning to be a student, and a professor, for the rest of my days.