EWRT 1A

CREDIT ASSIGNMENT #1

Reading consists of two essential processes--decoding (identifying facts which all readers agree to as such) and thematizing (creating an interpretation which requires evidence, argumentation, support) before it is accepted by other readers.

Here is one example of a decoding of Dillard's "Living Like Weasels":

Dillard spends time at Hollins Pond (a fact which all readers would stipulate to)

Here is an example of moving from the facts to creating an interpretation in need of explanation and defense, to thematizing:

Dillard believes that the life best lived is one in which we follow our instincts, our desires and passions, no matter what the consequences.

Both these processes are performed by an individual reader but must be negotitated within a community of readers--an interpretive community--who discuss the work at hand, peoples' views of it, and the standards by which a reasonable, persuasive, and acceptable interpretation are formed.

Our interpretive community of readers consists of the member of our class, and we will use the newsgroup as a medium for exchanging our decodings and thematizings of the reading material.

Credit assignment #1 will ask you to use the Dillard forum to post an interpretive question and to respond to someone else's question. To view directions and do credit assignment #1, visit the Discussion Forum link below: