Notes

Vocabulary: 

Vapid: According to Oxford Languages, vapid typically refers to someone or something that offers nothing that is stimulating or challenging. 

Pundit: According to Oxford Languages, pundit is someone who's an expert in a particular subject or field who is frequently called on to give opinions about it to the public. 

Paradigm: According to Oxford Languages, a paradigm is a typical example or pattern of something; a model. 

Nuance: According to Oxford Languages, nuance is a subtle difference in meaning, expression, or sound.

Vassal: According to Oxford Languages, a vassal is a holder of land (typically referred to in a militarized context) by tenure on conditions of homage or allegiance.

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1. Creative interpretation is one of three integral principles of research and the writing process. This is because creative interpretation allows the writer and or researcher to interpret information from an otherwise unused perspective, resulting in the creation of innovative ideas and approaches. Creative interpretation enables to researcher to consider and develop nuanced or novel ideas and concepts, therefore resulting in complex ideas being understood in a more simplistic fashion. 

2. According to The Structure of Scientific Revolutions, by author Thomas Kuhn, what happens within a community when 'new knowledge' is created typically begins with a communally accepted theory or idea. This idea is then used by many members of the community systematically, and is often referred to as the theory of accepted paradigm. Expanding this concept of 'new knowledge' is encourages the community to explore to concepts of this community believed, not to change it. Working behind a theory that is accepted by the majority of the members of your community allows researchers to "create a certain version of reality that is based on the paradigm that is being used and which is accepted by all members of the community. (pg.4 pp3)"

3. An example of one social community that I'm involved in would be the local golfing community. Despite most individuals likely assuming that creativity lacks in a sport such as golf, I tend to disagree. Being apart of a social community such as golf has allowed for me to form a strong social connection with people that I otherwise wouldn't have. 

4. Considering the provided quote, knowledge is exchanged to create new information and ideas within a specific community by conversing and contemplating theories and ideas. A simple conversation between multiple members of a social community, who essentially believe in similar concepts, but are still open to further exploration of said ideology, can significantly increase the amount of information and new information surrounding the theory. Exchanging information and contemplating theories with like-minded individuals in a group setting opens up the opportunity to exchange commonplace thoughts on one topic, for example: On the seventh hole of this golf course, considering the wind we get on the weekends, it's important to use this specific type of club. This could be a nuanced idea that others on the golf course had yet to consider.

5. David Bartholomae's says that new students have to "Invent the University". This could mean students in an educational context must understand how their university works and how to properly steer through it. In an academic context, it's important to recognize that expectations and requirements when becoming involved with higher means of education. Inventing the university might mean developing your own critical thinking skills in order to problem solve. 

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6. Segregation in the United States still being an issue surprises me in some ways, and unfortunately not in other ways. According to readingpartners.org, "a U.S. Government and Accountability Office Report found that over 30% of students attended schools where 7% or more of the student body was the same race or ethnicity." The United States of America, in comparison to plenty of other countries around the world, is quite a young country. Considering the United States' history recent history with segregation, it doesn't surprise me that it's unfortunately still somewhat commonplace. The litigation in Jefferson County battling back and forth with school desegregation doesn't surprise me either, due to the South's disgusting history of slavery and segregation. Though I am surprised by the current 2022 numbers surrounding segregation in the United States.

7. The issue that is at hand in Jefferson County, and therefore the United States as a whole seems to revolve around matters concerning ethnicity and race along with socioeconomic issues. Jefferson County in particular is facing litigation issues related to desegregation. The court in Jefferson County ordered the district to integrate elements of desegregation, but this has been an ongoing process for almost one hundred years. This has resulted in heavily race-concentrated schools becoming commonplace. 

8. Judge Haikala's stance on segregation has long been one of uncommon sensitivity (pg.3). Haikala sided with both advocates of desegregation, and even referred to Jefferson County's secession campaign as deplorable (pg.3), in which Haikala saw it as being motivated by discrimination. In 2018, Haikala ultimately allowed Gardendale to secede from Jefferson County, but immediately placed it under "a brand new desegregation order (pg.8)." Haikala's beliefs certainly do not align with those who are 'pro-segregation', at the least.