English Curriculum Studies 1 CLB018 / CLP408

Lecture 4

Theories of Text and ResponseKelli McGraw

What if the time is now?

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pirates_versus_Ninjas

People who are reluctant to embrace

change often do so because they’re

thinking like a ninja.

However, without the pirates, very little would ever change. Or be fun.

“Reliable”? “Very Quiet”? Erm...no thanks!

As well as being a nice metaphor for our overall tendencies toward heritage and safety (ninjas) or change and risk (pirates), there is a lesson here about how different people can approach the process of change.

Different schools, bosses, cultural

contexts, welfare issues will require

you to choose whether to pursue

your desire for change like a

pirate (bold and brave), or a ninja (under the radar).

Homework question: What is a ‘meme’?

What does this have to do with ‘theories of text and response’?

‘the conservative’ (seeking stability and the preservation of heritage)

versus

‘the hippy’ (counterculture values,

exploring alternatives and change)

• Skills / ‘Basic skills’• Cultural Heritage• Written literacy testing / diagnosis

• Personal Growth• Critical Literacy• Multimodality

Commonly associated theories and traditions:

Let’s test this with a new idea.

http://www.ted.com/talks/salman_khan_let_s_use_video_to_reinvent_education.html

So, think carefully.What would a ninja say?

‘Real ninjas’ are quietly making sure that important knowledge is passed down so that social evolution stays sleek, reliable and focussed on learning.

‘Wannabe ninjas’ mistake rote learning and decontextualised drills for literacy development.

‘Evil ninjas’ see weak links or poor performers as ‘viruses’ that cause damage to the system. Mastery requires self-

discipline, motivation and focus

...and what would a pirate say?

Endeavour requires risk

and discomfort...

Nothing ventured, nothing gained!

‘Real pirates’ rise to the challenge of changing fortunes and use strong voices and leadership to effect change. They quest for treasure.

‘Wannabe pirates’ devalue the importance of their heritage in pursuit of the new. (This will only leave them adrift at sea)

‘Evil pirates’ disrupt what is working well for their own selfish and hedonistic satisfaction.

What if the time is now?

[NB: Don’t panic. Progress is always smaller than you think]

@alaindebotton(a contemporary philosopher)