As a way to begin our class inquiry
into writing, I'd like to start simply. We all have our own ideas about what "good writing" is,
often influenced by "school" authorities (our past teachers' expectations,
standards associated with tests we've been forced to take), but also influenced
by larger cultural ideas about good writing which might come from assumed
workplace expectations, as well as our own expectations as readers/consumers of
texts. Today, I'd like you to start thinking about where your ideas about
"good writing" come from and how those ideas have influenced the
choices you've made and your assumptions about what writing can be/do.
Respond to this post by clicking on
the comment button and address the following questions:
● What is your idea of “good writing”?
● Where do your preconceptions of “good
writing come” from?
● Can you think of a time when your
conception of “good writing” didn't work or seem "right" in the
context?
● Is your conception of “good writing
limiting” in any way?
● Would you behave differently as a
writer, or understand yourself differently as a writer, if you conceived of
"good writing" in a different way?
Once you've responded to these
questions (you don't have to write the questions out or respond to them in some
lockstep way--you have the freedom to pursue them as you wish), I want you to
read through what your classmates have said and respond to at least one of
their ideas. This is an opportunity to
practice your referencing skills by explaining who you're responding to and by
paraphrasing or quoting from that person's post
