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The incision |
K.E. Brashier |
When I ask you to
make “an incision” into the text, I am using another medical term but this time
implying something much smaller than an "exploratory." To "incise" means "to produce by
cutting into the surface of (something)."
I hope we can produce an understanding by giving the text numerous
"incisive" prods in the form of
provocative questions. Basically I want an incisive question
that you think will foster good conference discussion and will advance our
understanding of the text at hand.
Incisions are small prods, not grand, open-heart surgeries. AND MOST IMPORTANTLY, I want you yourself to
answer your provocative question after
we have discussed your question. Nothing
written needs to be turned in, but you must
give your question serious thought in advance.
So while you are reading, think about ways you can explain the difficult
points. When the light bulb above your
head flickers to 'bright' as you read, formulate that thought into a
provocative question for the rest of us.
In conference, I will simply ask you what
"incision" you would like to make, and then you will give us the
question we will explore as a group. I
suggest you might also predict how the discussion will develop and be ready
with ways of leading us along the path to your own conclusions. After we have discussed your question at
length, you will give us your answer. Finally,
I will probably ask you to choose the next "incisor" (i.e.
comparative victimology). (Incisions are
a bit of an experiment for me, but if we never experiment, we never
progress. This approach also prevents me
from becoming garrulous.)