Two stonecutters … are asked what they are doing. One responds: ‘I am cutting this stone in a perfectly square shape.’ The other responds: ‘I am building a cathedral.’ Both answers are correct and meaningful, but they reflect different relations to the world. The difference between these answers does not imply that one is a better stonecutter than the other, as far as holding the chisel is concerned. At the level of engagement, they may well be doing exactly the same thing. But it does suggest that their experiences of what they are doing and their sense of self in doing it are rather different. This difference is a function of imagination.” (Wenger, Communities of Practice, p. 176)
As this course wraps up, think about how this quote from Etienne Wenger applies to the work you have done in completing the first inquiry on a thesis subject. Do you see yourself as “working on a paper for a class” or do you see yourself completing what would be the equivalent of “building a cathedral?” That’s the question of this assignment.
• Part 1 Recall the readings and discussions surrounding the community of practice and Keller’s perspective on work. How has this course deepened your understanding in these areas? What new understandings of self have emerged?
• file:///C:/Users/V_Ber/Downloads/KellerT%20Every%20Good%20Endeavor%20(2).pdf
• https://www.youtube.com/watch?reload=9&v=rTVIvdBIuLE&feature=youtu.be
Part 2 Reflect on the literature review process, developing a research interest, and dissertations in general. How have these influenced your beginning thoughts about a dissertation topic?
Roberts, Roberts, C. (2010). The dissertation journey: A practical and comprehensive guide to planning, writing, and defending your dissertation. Thousand Oaks, Calif.: Corwin Press. ISBN 9781412977982 (chapter 9)
2)Locke, L., Silverman, S, and Spirduso, W. (2010). Reading and understanding research, 3rd ed. Thousand Oaks, CA: Sage. ISBN 9781412975742 (Chapter on literature review
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• Part 3 Reflect on ethical considerations that underpin social research and the implications for your work.
