> however, some of it sounds like it may not fit academic
> enquiry at all, >>>>>
if you are refering to the subject matter I posted as an example of what was happening off list, they are all academic subjects that were being discussed by published authors, and some are currently being researched by post Doctoral scientists.
but as
> academic as some of the ranting posts in the last few days,
> and it was
> nothing we could ever have published...>>>>>
granted the discussion subject matter would not be publishable... but,..... dont you find it interesting to hear and see what is out there, and ask why? How are you going to understand what really happens regarding magic and culture if you totally shield yourself from its everday 'on the ground' expression?
It is all too easy in an academic setting to sanitise your subject matter, particularly if most of your expression of that subject matter is conducted in a theoretical setting.
The brief of this discussion group is 'academic study by students, teachers and practitioners'. Practitioners who come from a non academic setting will not approach the subject matter in an academic way. That does not invalidate their voice: it just means that, through participating and observing, communication mathods can and will be developed. And if people choose not to do that, then it is their loss.
The outbursts and declarations of creed etc have taught me more of how to approach certain material as a writer than any stuffy theoretical approach would have.
And then comes the question: who gets to decide what is academic or not? most magic subject matter would not be considered academic. I dont think it should be the subject matter per say, more the approach. If people can address discussion regarding their area of expertise without being defensive, then we have an arena where by learning can occur.
Josephine
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