Understanding the Context
All writing, indeed all communication, takes
place in a context (from Latin contexere to weave
together). The context, the circumstances or situation surrounding the communication,
affects how we interpret information and how information affects us. Simply put,
understanding the context helps us decide whether or not the information is useful or even
believable. The context also affects our ability to effectively communicate as we seek to
inform and persuade others.
So, when we rely on sources,
it is crucial that we attempt to understand the context of those sources by asking
questions related to:
- the basic elements of the
communication situation
- ways of using an
understanding of context to better argue or inform
- the fair use of sources within
an academic context.
Elements of the
Communication Situation [to list]
- author (writer, speaker,
videographer)
- audience (readers, listeners,
watchers)
- purpose
- use
While reading the excerpt on Sexual Harassment from CSU, Stanislaus below, think about
the elements of the communication situation. The links at the top of the
text to take you to notes concerning each of the elements.
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Sexual Harassment
The University's policy is to maintain a working and learning environment free of
sexual harassment for students, employees and applicants for student or employee
positions.
No individual shall be subject to reprisal for using this policy, nor shall its use
preclude subsequent disciplinary or grievance measures. All units of campus community are
expected to comply with this policy. Except as needed in processing the complaint, both
the Sexual Harassment Advisors and Sexual Harassment Officers are required to maintain
confidentiality in dealing with sexual harassment complaints.
Definition of Sexual Harassment
Sexual Harassment is one person's use of University authority, rank, or position to
distort a University relationship by conduct which emphasizes another person's sexuality.
Sexual advances, requests for sexual favors, and other verbal or physical conduct of a
sexual nature are forms of sexual harassment when the person with authority, rank, or
position:
- Requires submission as an explicit or implicit condition of instruction, employment, or
participation in any University activity; or
- Distorts academic or personnel evaluations based on response to such conduct; or
- Hinders performance by creating or allowing sexually intimidating, hostile, or offensive
behavior to occur in the University or in a University-related setting.
- Sexual harassment is unethical and unprofessional conduct, illegal, and against
California State Stanislaus University policy. It may occur in written, spoken, physical,
and visual forms.
The University will act to eliminate sexual harassment within its jurisdiction. A
person with University authority, rank, or position must not use that power to create
sexual pressure on someone else or on the workplace in general.
The University will evaluate each incident of alleged sexual harassment and apply
appropriate remedies.
The University can dismiss employees or expel students for sexual harassment.
The University recognizes that any member of the campus community might be called upon
to listen to a complaint of alleged sexual harassment. The listener should be objective
and attentive, while discouraging use of names. No records should be kept, or should
promises for specific action or final decisions be made. The listener should refer the
complainant to a Sexual Harassment Advisor or to a University Sexual Harassment officer.
Complainants may go to the Sexual Harassment officer without first consulting a Sexual
Harassment Advisor and may request an investigation at any time.
Any complaint of sexual harassment should be registered with the Assistant to the
President, Office of Equal Opportunity and Internal Relations, Dr. Thomas Young (Student
Services Building, 667-3011), who will investigate the complaint.
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