Closing the gap. Digital literacy and rhetoric in the English department: From education to workplace.

摘要

Not since the invention of the printing press has there been such a revolution as is now taking place with the advancement of technology and the Internet. To operate in this realm and communicate using these media necessitates a new definition of literacy, which has been called digital literacy (Gilster, 1997; Larsson, 2002). However, many educational institutions have not been quick enough to get on board this train, especially in the liberal arts.;This thesis argues that there is a considerable gap between what is taught in higher education today, and what is needed in the workplace. Liberal arts, specifically English Departments, are best suited to design, develop, and manage programs in digital literacy and rhetoric in collaboration with other departments throughout the higher education environment. In addition, this discussion introduces a model that addresses the gap along with proposed tracks and assignments within a proposed English Department program.