Inventing the University

Inventing the University

David Bartholomae

Inventing the University was an essay written by David Bartholomae, in which he discusses how students in academia, lack the "essential" tools necessary to write compelling papers in the university setting. Writing, turns into a costume, with the writer "trying on the discourse even though he doesn't have the knowledge that makes the discourse more than a routine, a set of conventional rituals and gestures" (page 512, Inventing the University, Bartholomae). Problems arise when "basic writers" lack the voice of authority, to begin controlling the language as if it were their own. Lacking the power of authority, rooted in years of research and knowledge, it seems "basic writers" fear the unknown, sticking to "proper writing" taught throughout high school.

In order to effectively produce "academic discourse" one must understand "commonplace," controlling ideas that are a central term to the text (page 514, Inventing the University, Bartholomae). "Commonplace," therefore is language that writers have control of, something they can call their own. As an "outsider," part of the audience, one would except to be able to connect with what the "writer" has written.

One of the many failures, I believe, that many students lack is the ability to be engaged in various projects, amongst their colleagues, in their chosen major. Usually, the time to use "academic discourse," in the college setting is when professors dictate to you what is excepted of you. Essentially, as a writer, you are confined to a set of guidelines, never able to completely show your true understanding of the material presented.

Having an issue of set guidelines, somehow can affect the "building of bridges," that writers often have to share with their audience. In effect by controlling what is written assumptions and biases that your audience may have go unnoticed, instead taking the place of gaining acceptance among a community of privilege, individuals with power.