Reflecting On Creating The University By David Bartholamae Essay Example

In “Creating the University" by David Bartholamae, he brings up the idea of student “inventing” their own learning institutions by attempting different professors or persons of successful individuals to impress them. He argues that impersonating professionals by using their jargon or words, even if not fully understood, can help students meet the expectations of the university and society. From the example given by Bartholamae’s presence of a well-written academic article, he introduces the work of a student. Since the target of the student was a professor, who could analyze the article specifically, the use of vocabulary and presentation of the topic was introduced in a manner beyond the knowledge of the student. Bartholamae advocates for this act of mimicking throughout his writing and he encourages it as it creates literary sound students.
I believe that students must learn actively in order to become successful individuals in the society. When I mention learning, I mean not just hearing intellectual jargons or words without understanding their meanings. The students and society today do misunderstand the process of learning itself. Bartholamae’s article encourages students to cram and use what they find around them even without making sense of it at all. He believes that students do not need to go out on a search for answers as they only need to consider themselves at the same level as professors. In today’s world, majority of literature teachers have grown obsessed with sophisticated critical theories, so much, such that they have lost passion of literature itself. In other words, literature teachers have lost touch with raw literature itself. Additionally, most professionals have become amused with interpreting and analyzing hidden meaning, something that can make them miss the true message of literature.
Many students including me could not comprehend intellectual readings at a young age. I was not able to grasp concepts until a college professor taught me using different methods. If students possessed different needs when being taught, then it follows that professors should not use only one method of writing successfully. In his article, Bartholamae writes of students trying to write in one style so as to please professors, scholars, and intelligent minds in the society. Nevertheless, when one adds individual ideas in writing, it immediately becomes unprofessional cannot meet academically stands. I believe that professionals should consider their foundation before judging their students harshly. Their personal understanding of literature is what made them and perhaps that is what ensures success in their students more than a conglomerate of professional jargons.
Forcing students to “mimic” their professors would limit inventing other methods of literary learning. Additionally, students are always aware of the audience whenever they write, and professors and other professionals should embrace the new methods of analyzing and writing literature. Some students may also adapt to the style of their professors without adequate understanding such academic discourse. Professors should encourage creativity among students, unless they are willing to guide the sheep. Using these professional jargons will only limit the ability of students to engage in constructive learning. Teachers should also re-invent the beauty of raw literature instead of introducing sophisticated critical theories. In conclusion, students should not “invent” their own university by “mimicking” their professors to impress them. The students should seek new methods of analyzing literature.