Discussion 5

1. What do you think, currently, about the primary threshold concept for this project unit? (“Writing is impacted by prior experiences.”) What do you think it means? Have you thought about this concept before reading about it in our textbook? If so, in what terms, or in what way, have you thought about this idea? 


2. Answer question 2 from page 99 of our textbook: “How does Brandt support her claim that sponsors always have something to gain from their sponsorship? Can you provide any examples from your own experience?” For the purpose of this discussion, you may focus more on answering the second part of this question. 


3. Answer question 5 from page 99 of our textbook: “Giving the examples of Branch and Lopez as support, Brandt argues that race and class impact how much access people have to literacy sponsorship. Summarize the kinds of access Branch and Lopez had…and decide whether you agree with Brandt’s claim.” Why do you agree or disagree? Whether you agree or disagree, what other factors might impact the amount of access people have to literacy sponsorship? 


4. Think about your religious literacy. How was your faith, religious literacy, etc., sponsored for you? What does it mean to be sponsored in religious literacy? 


5. Name one concept from this lesson that you most struggle(d) to understand. What about this concept, term, or idea is troublesome? What do you currently think it means, whether you feel certain or not? 

Answer at least 3 of the above questions with, at minimum, a 3-5 sentence paragraph. In-depth, thoughtful, and careful responses are encouraged. Be specific where possible. Label your answers or include the text of the questions so readers know which questions you are responding to. 

When it’s time to respond to your peers’ answers, respond to at least two peers. Your responses should also contain a few sentences per question, at the least. Respond as completely as you can. One-word or generic responses are not appropriate here. Your responses should contribute something new to the conversation. 

When responding to answers for the last question (troublesome concepts), please provide your understanding of the concept or idea that your peers struggle to understand. Perhaps the way you understand it (and thus communicate it) will be helpful for them. If you, too, struggle with that concept, let your classmate know they’re not alone. It may be that in discussing the issue together, you both come to understand the concept better.