Field
The Evolution of a Text Based Query
Queries start with a point of interest, a phrase or sentence in a text that makes you pause,
think, consider or wonder. Once you find a point of interest within Kasper’s essay and
ask yourself a question about the phrase or sentence, the next step is to expand the
question into something bigger, something that might not necessarily stem directly from
the essay at hand. The process of expanding your question to address more than just the
essay you started with serves several purposes: it allows you direct your research
towards your personal and/or academic interests; it allows you to make your query more
easily researchable; and it provides you a point of entry to the scholarly conversation
about privacy-one that is rooted in previous research. In other words, you can shape your
query to fit your interests and needs. . .as long as we can trace its point of origin back to
Kasper’s essay.
Textual Point of Interest:
“. . .the Patriot Act—overwhelmingly passed in October 2001—augments the powers of
government agencies and the police regarding information-gathering, arrest, and
imprisonment, while making it possible to bypass the courts” (71).
Question about the text:
Why does Kasper feel a need to touch on the Patriot Act? Will she explain it in the
context of her essay?
Questions that ask about more than the text:
Have there been any changes to The Patriot Act since 2001? Is it still a law? What does
The Patriot Act say, exactly? Was this law passed so overwhelmingly because of the fear
9/11 caused? Do people still support this act?
Possible Inquiry:
Is The Patriot Act still a reasonable law, given the possible shift in attitudes since 9/11?
If, as Kasper says, we have to change our expectations as our culture changes, is it time to
re-visit and re-evaluate the necessity of this law?
Textual Point of Interest: Intrusion (activity: entering) An unwelcome presence or
interference in the life of a person. . .experienced as interruptions in
psychological/emotional comfort, stability, well-being, safety, or freedom. Interferences
with rights and/or life in general” (76).
Question about the text: Why does this category seem to encompass the other two?
Why does it seem more general than extraction and observation?
Questions that ask about more than the text: Do invasions that are extractive and
observational classify as intrusive? Would Internet invasions count as this? Could a
group or entire country even be intruded upon in this way-is war intrusive? Hacking?
Identity theft?
Possible Inquiry: Is it necessary to develop a new typological category for newer
privacy invasions (internet, biomechanical engineering, TSA screening), or are they
automatically intrusive? Does this typology need to be re-examined and altered or
expanded?
Textual Point of Interest:
Question about the text:
Questions that ask about more than the text:
Possible Inquiry: