1. Honors ENGL2089
Summary: In the fall of 2020, I took a class ENGL2089, "Intermediate Composition Honors." This class was the more advanced version of "Intermediate Composition," where there was a higher standard and expected quality to the essays that were written. The main focus of the course is on "discourse communities," which we learned to be different communities based on discourse, or language. Not all of these communities have to be written language - some discourse communities can be based on a skill that is similarly something that must be developed. There are 8 criteria of a discourse community, created and optimized by John Swales.
Throughout the course, I read many academic writings about the act of discourse. Prior to learning about discourse communities, I had always seen language with others as a means to communicate. I had some idea that I had to use different types of communication with different groups. This comes from my multicultural background, where I have to adapt to my different sides with different languages and societal expectations. But the idea of discourse communities gave me a solid understanding of the small things that influence our experience in different discourse communities. Not only was this an academic experience, it also taught me about how groups of people interact and the sociology of it.
The work below is the best representation of this course and discourse communities. While the regular ENGL2089 class also covered Swale's criteria, I had to use all 8 criteria in this essay for it to be "honors" level. I enjoyed writing this essay because there is so much to cover on discourse communities. Discourse communities are complex, and the people who are a part of this are also complex. While I focused on the conflict and ideals of the discourse community, UC Mountaineering Club, I could have instead focused on the physical knowledge needed to fit in to the community, or what happens to people after they graduate - whether they leave the discourse community or stay a part of it (hint: some do). I also enjoyed learning a little bit more about my roommate and one of her favorite hobbies.
Throughout the course, I read many academic writings about the act of discourse. Prior to learning about discourse communities, I had always seen language with others as a means to communicate. I had some idea that I had to use different types of communication with different groups. This comes from my multicultural background, where I have to adapt to my different sides with different languages and societal expectations. But the idea of discourse communities gave me a solid understanding of the small things that influence our experience in different discourse communities. Not only was this an academic experience, it also taught me about how groups of people interact and the sociology of it.
The work below is the best representation of this course and discourse communities. While the regular ENGL2089 class also covered Swale's criteria, I had to use all 8 criteria in this essay for it to be "honors" level. I enjoyed writing this essay because there is so much to cover on discourse communities. Discourse communities are complex, and the people who are a part of this are also complex. While I focused on the conflict and ideals of the discourse community, UC Mountaineering Club, I could have instead focused on the physical knowledge needed to fit in to the community, or what happens to people after they graduate - whether they leave the discourse community or stay a part of it (hint: some do). I also enjoyed learning a little bit more about my roommate and one of her favorite hobbies.
