Summary of Inventing the University

      Dr. David Bartholomae’s article talks about how as teachers, writers, or anyone who gives out information to the readers, should speak in the language that is familiar to that reader. One of Bartholomae’s points is that teachers should speak and teach the students in a way that they can understand. This can also tie into how a one should write a paper that gives information. An idea that sticks out within the passage is that as a writer you must know your audience. If the person who reads the paper is a scientist, the writing should include the language that is used by scientists. This idea can go for any topic. Bartholomae talks about an essay called, “Clay Model.” He talks about how this essay doesn’t achieve the idea of knowing your audience or remotely communicating in the reader’s language. Bartholomae continuously brings up the idea of knowing your audience by stating that if one can understand who their writing for and be able to manipulate them, they will be able to reach a level of privilege and imagination. All these ideas and techniques can be used to become an effective writer, but only if the teachers can guide the students (Bartholomae). Bartholomae’s article is a guide for professors who struggle with guiding and teaching students how to write for their audience. Bartholomae guides professors and the professors guide the students. When that happens, a common language is spoken.