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Abstract
Amongst the array of essential language used between the educated public the valuable concept
discourse community is a powerful tool for the literate world. A discourse community is the idea
that text and knowledge of different people unite, and in a regulated way work together to
complete a desired mission. The concept itself is modestly defined by James E. Porter who states
a group of individuals bound by a common interest who communicate through approved
channels and whose discourse is regulated (Porter, 1986). Swales, a professor of linguistics at
the University of Michigan, defines it differently he suggest that 6 specific characteristics are
essential when classifying a group as discourse community. A unique discourse community is the
TRMC Science Technology Engineering and Math (STEM) Internship Program at White Sands
Missile Range. Science Technology Engineering and Math are subjects themselves that include
interesting professions such as working in NASA, working for Google or in this case working for
TRAX International. This community fulfills all of swales suggested characteristics and truly
represents an ideal discourse community. Exhibiting all six of the characteristics as Swales
defines them can be complicated at first, but is possible once one truly places close attention to
its surrounding details and investigates a communities literate back ground.
Introduction
A college student studying Rhetoric and Writing (RWS) will be introduced to a variety of
literate concepts; furthermore, students will encounter new terminology to purposefully increase
student knowledge. Hence, the terms that are implemented are used in our daily writing culture,
Literature Review
In order to become familiar with the literate concept discourse community, the revision of studies
by individuals who mediate literate activities is required. Primarily, John Swales(1990) ideas
derived from The Concept of Discourse Communities where he explains what a discourse
community is. Swales provides 6 characteristics discourse communities have. Also, we refer to
James E. Porters work, who goes on to explain that specific discourse communities have the
ability to create what a writer chooses to say. Porter shares the importance that discourse
METHODS
Out of the variety of discourse communities I have selected one to use with purpose of
supporting Swales test. I choose to investigate a community that is based on STEM principles.
The discourse community I selected was the Supporting Test and Evaluation for the Department
of Defense Internship program (TRMC STEM Internship). An STEM based experience that
allows student practice their acquired skills providing student with challenging task within the
Discussion
Primarily, a discourse community has a set of general public goals. The rules and regulations
can be used to determine the level of intensity and intellectual capacity each goal in the
community will require. The motive of the TRMC STEM Internship Program consists of
allowing students to acclimate the fundamentals of test and evaluation (T&E) within the
Department of Defense, while practicing skills and participating in a valuable experience. The
Test and Research management center required diversity in thinking and targeted University
students to heighten the arena and awareness.
The following characteristic is related to the mechanisms members use to communicate.
Each discourse community is able to interact with one another using telecommunications,
newsletters televisions etc. to speak and write accordingly to transfer information, data to one
another. The TRMC community uses the following Medias to communicate: email, tele-cons,
newsletter, automated UTC, and Facebook page. The TRMC STEM discourse community uses
the previously stated technologies to communicate regularly. For example, meetings with
members across the nation often communicate using tele-cons. Another example is Facebook
which is used to communicate with members commercially like in promoting the Program to
University students.
Conclusion
It is evident that the Supporting Test and Evaluation for the Department of Defense
internship program (TRMC STEM Internship) does saticfy the 6 characteristics Swales presents
as the defining factors of what it takes to be a discourse community.
References
Porter, J. E. (1986). Intertextuality and the Discourse Community. In E. Wardle, & D. Downs,
Writing about Writing (p. 395-406). Boston, New York: Bedford St. Martins.
Swales, J. (1990). The Concept of Discourse Community. In E. Wardle, & D. Downs, Writing
about Writing (pp. 215-223). Boston, New York: Bedford/ St. Martin's.