Selfe text
I just finished the Selfe article in WNM, “Students Who Teach Us.” I thought it was interesting how she points out that, here is this young man who is successful in web design and new media, yet cannot survive at his university because he somewhat lacks the ”ability to write and organize formal essays [and has]problems with development and logical argumentation” (49). I had mixed feelings about this. I understand her points that that mixed media plays an increasingly significant role in communication, and that education and playing a productive role in the community , university, etc. does not rely merely on the written language, but on visual representation. But as I was reading I kept thinking about what we do in “English Studies” and how alot of our discourse relies on “development” of ideas and the ability to argue, present, contrast certain issues “logically.” I wonder if David’s placement in the English program was the best for him, or if there were any programs that would have been more conducive to his skills, like web/graphic design, etc. It seems like sometimes it is a matter of direction, and in large institutions, it’s not like they cater to the individuals need. On the other hand, I’m trying to see how English studies can encourage one to develop the skills of “logical argumentation” through visual design, without the use of the essay or any “formal” text.”
