 |
English 5360: History and Theory of College Composition
|
|
|
English 5360: History and Theory of College Composition
|
This course will focus on the theory and practice of teaching writing in college. We will begin from the premise that as teachers of writing, we ourselves are also developing writers. Taking a step back from the practice of teaching, we will reflect upon our own writing and our classroom activity (as both learners and teachers) with an eye toward becoming more reflective practitioners. From that opening stance, we will look at the development of the field of Composition Studies over the last 30 years, focusing on seminal articles representing the ongoing conversation of scholars who have contributed to — and are continuing to contribute to — creating and refining a discipline. We will foreground always your own development as scholars and professional colleagues preparing to join those conversations.
Early on, I will encourage you to define what "Composition" is, and to examine your own participation in that field as a teacher, scholar, researcher, and writer. As we move through the semester surveying contemporary scholarship in composition studies, exploring how it has emerged as a discipline, you may find your initial definition changing.
We will begin our process of defining the field with questions about the nature of writing, rhetoric, and instruction; later, we'll consider the role of writing in students' lives. Finally, we'll look at the emerging concept of literacy in general and the cultural implications associated with various definitions. You will have the opportunity to reflect on your own development as a writer, to develop and expertise in areas of special interest through response to readings, class presentations, classroom experience, and individual research projects.
Obviously, participation (attendance, careful reading of assigned texts and voluntary background reading, and active involvement in class discussions) is required as the foundation for a graduate course. The assignments are explained in depth here. Grades will be figured as follows:
We seek to provide effective services and accommodations for qualified individuals with documented disabilities. If you need an accommodation because of a documented disability, you are required to register with Disability Support Services at the beginning of the semester. If you will require assistance during an emergency evacuation, notify your instructor immediately.