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James Paul Gee

    April 15, 1948 – May 16, 1955

    This American author, journalist, and poet is celebrated for his incisive film criticism, which shaped cinematic discourse in the mid-20th century. His sole novel, inspired by his own life and posthumously awarded a Pulitzer Prize, delves into the complexities of human relationships and the poignant ache of lost childhood. His early work, a stark portrayal of sharecropper life during the Great Depression, was initially overlooked but is now regarded as a landmark 20th-century literary achievement. His voice, marked by unflinching honesty and profound introspection, continues to resonate deeply with readers.

    James Paul Gee
    Letters of James Agee to Father Flye
    Good Video Games and Good Learning
    Situated Language and Learning
    James Agee: Film Writing and Selected Journalism (Loa #160): Agee on Film / Uncollected Film Writing / The Night of the Hunter / Journalism and Film R
    Prisoner of the Samurai
    Literacy and Education
    • 2021

      The Morning Watch

      • 128 pages
      • 5 hours of reading

      Set during the early hours of Good Friday, the narrative follows twelve-year-old Richard in a Tennessee church school, capturing his profound inner journey amidst the awakening of spring. Agee skillfully reveals Richard's religious exaltation and childhood musings without descending into sentimentality. The novel's tone and imagery evoke a dark, poetic quality, exploring the intertwined nature of good and evil, beauty and absurdity. With its blend of clarity and dreamlike complexity, this work stands out for its perceptive lyricism, earning its status as a minor classic.

      The Morning Watch
    • 2020

      What Is a Human?

      Language, Mind, and Culture

      In a sweeping synthesis of new research in a number of different disciplines, this book argues that we humans are not who we think we are. As he explores the interconnections between cutting-edge work in bioanthropology, evolutionary biology, neuroscience, human language and learning, and beyond, James Paul Gee advances, also, a personal philosophy of language, learning, and culture, informed by his decades of work across linguistics and the social sciences. Gee argues that our schools, institutions, legal systems, and societies are designed for creatures that do not exist, thus resulting in multiple, interacting crises, such as climate change, failing institutions, and the rise of nationalist nationalism. As Gee constructs an understanding of the human that takes into account our social, collective, and historical nature, as established by recent research, he inspires readers to reflect for themselves on the very question of who we are—a key consideration for anyone interested in society, government, schools, health, activism, culture and diversity, or even just survival.

      What Is a Human?
    • 2018

      Prisoner of the Samurai

      • 224 pages
      • 8 hours of reading

      Moving account of the experiences of James Gee, USMC, a survivor of the USS Houston, who was captured and held as a prisoner of war by the Japanese for three and a half years.

      Prisoner of the Samurai
    • 2017

      Introducing Discourse Analysis

      • 170 pages
      • 6 hours of reading

      Introducing Discourse Analysis is a concise and accessible introduction by James Paul Gee to the fundamental ideas behind specific approaches to discourse analysis, or the analysis of language in use. Gee stresses how grammar sets up choices for speakers and writers to make, choices which express, not unvarnished truth, but perspectives or viewpoints on reality. Introducing Discourse Analysis is an essential primer for all students of discourse analysis within linguistics, education, communication studies and related areas.

      Introducing Discourse Analysis
    • 2015

      Blowing Out the Candles

      A Poetry Trilogy

      • 90 pages
      • 4 hours of reading

      Jim Gee's poetry showcases a raw and honest exploration of vulnerability, stripping away pretense to reveal deep emotional truths. His work oscillates between cynicism and poignancy, often evoking both laughter and introspection. Through heartfelt verses, he challenges readers to reflect on their personal lives, relationships, religious beliefs, and the often passive engagement with government and societal structures. The collection is a powerful invitation to examine the complexities of human experience.

      Blowing Out the Candles
    • 2014

      The Social Mind

      Language, Ideology, and Social Practice

      • 144 pages
      • 6 hours of reading

      "The Social Mind was originally published in 1992."

      The Social Mind
    • 2014

      Letters of James Agee to Father Flye

      • 240 pages
      • 9 hours of reading

      The book features a passionate protagonist who prioritizes writing above all else, expressing a strong disdain for conventional careers like advertising or finance. This unwavering commitment to the craft of writing drives the narrative, exploring themes of artistic integrity and the struggle against societal expectations. The character's fierce dedication highlights the importance of following one's true calling, making for a compelling exploration of creativity and personal values.

      Letters of James Agee to Father Flye
    • 2014

      An Introduction to Discourse Analysis

      Theory and Method

      • 248 pages
      • 9 hours of reading

      Focusing on the field of discourse analysis, this book presents James Paul Gee's distinctive integrated approach that combines a theory of language-in-use with a research methodology. It is designed for readers without a background in linguistics, making complex concepts accessible. The work emphasizes practical applications and offers insights into how language functions in various contexts, providing a comprehensive introduction to the subject.

      An Introduction to Discourse Analysis
    • 2014

      How to do Discourse Analysis

      A Toolkit

      • 216 pages
      • 8 hours of reading
      4.0(11)Add rating

      Offering practical guidance, this toolkit equips readers with the necessary skills to conduct discourse analysis effectively. Authored by James Paul Gee, a renowned expert in the field, it builds on foundational concepts from his previous work, providing step-by-step methods and insights. The book is designed for both beginners and experienced researchers, featuring tools that facilitate the exploration of language and its impact on social contexts. Ideal for students and practitioners alike, it emphasizes the importance of discourse in understanding communication.

      How to do Discourse Analysis
    • 2014

      Literacy and Education

      • 160 pages
      • 6 hours of reading

      Literacy and Education tells the story of how literacy—starting in the early 1980s—came to be seen not as a mental phenomenon, but as a social and cultural one. In this accessible introductory volume, acclaimed scholar James Paul Gee shows readers how literacy "left the mind and wandered out into the world." He traces the ways a sociocultural view of literacy melded with a social view of the mind and speaks to learning in and out of school in new and powerful ways. Gee concludes by showing how the very idea of "literacy" has broadened into new literacies with words, signs, and deeds in contexts enhanced, augmented, and transformed by new technologies.

      Literacy and Education