Option 1: Brandt describes “mediation and synthesis” as key features in the writing demands of knowledge workers. In what ways have you engaged in this process of mediation in your own writing? Describe one example: what entities or interests were you mediating between? What are the challenges of mediation? What distinguishes mediation as a particular skill or practice in writing?
Option 2: Since we’re shifting toward discussions of career and labor, what career or future job to you envision having after graduation? With Brandt’s article in mind, think of the various ways that writing might be a part of your future job: How do you imagine writing as being part of that career? What particular texts will you write? Who will you write for or with? What will happen to your texts after you write them? What will be the stakes of your writing? In what settings will you write?
ENGL 245: Writing and Money 