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English 833: Theories of Composition Chapter 5 — The History of Composition Studies I (Historical Accounts)

Chapter 5 Required Materials and Tasks

Chapter 5 Required Readings: The History of Composition Studies

Chapter 5 Discussion Questions

  1. Which philosophy of teaching composition do you find most compelling and why?
  2. Which philosophy of teaching composition do you find most problematic and why?
  3. Thinking about your own vision for teaching English, what would you name that vision? Why would you call it that?

Chapter 5 Class Activities

Peer Review: Visions of Composition Studies

One of the hallmarks of the Writing Process Movement was the introduction of peer reviews of student writing. Students were asked to read and comment on each other’s writing. This practice has become one of the foundations of contemporary composition pedagogy. The theory says that students learn to write better by reading and responding to their peers. This also draws on Lev Vygotsky’s idea of the Zone of Proximal Development.

For this course, I will put this theory into practice, what is known as Praxis (enacted theory) by having you review several pieces of your peer’s writing throughout the semester. After you get this feedback, you will have the opportunity to revise your paper and then turn it in the following class period.

Peer Review: Your Teaching Vision Statement First DRAFT

  1. Pair up with another student in the course.
  2. Trade Your Teaching Vision Statement First DRAFTS.
  3. Read the paper and note your thoughts, comments, and questions about it.
  4. Consider the following issues:
    • Does the vision capture our attention in a dramatic way at the beginning? Could a story or example or quote or idea give the vision more immediate impact at the start?
    • Does the vision offer something unique? The vision can be grounded on other people’s ideas, but what does it offer which feels distinct to this writer?
    • Does the vision feel cohesive? Do all the parts tie together well as a group? How might this cohesion be improved? Should anything be added or cut?
    • Are all parts of the vision clear? Is anything confusing? Should anything be eliminated or moved for clarity?
    • Does the vision finish with a concluding thought?
  5. Discuss the paper with your partner.
  6. Revise Your Teaching Vision Statement for upload next class day.

Four Philosophies of Composition

Discussion Questions: Visions of Composition Studies

Now let’s see where your Vision Statements fit within Fulkerson’s framework.

  1. Form a group of 4 people.
  2. Discuss your peers’ Vision Statements for Teaching Composition. For each one, identify which of Fulkerson’s philosophies seems best to apply to the pedagogical position your classmates are taking. Explain why you think this.
  3. If none of the Fulkerson’s philosophies fits, consider the theories discussed by Berlin, Durst, and Fulkerson in his later article. Discuss what theory seems to be operating in each vision statement.
  4. If no established theory fits, try to label the theory in your vision with a new name. Explain this naming.
  5. Consider adding language about this theory to your Vision Statement. You might not have given your Vision a name initially, but consider doing that now.
  6. Beyond the theories in your Vision Statements, which theories do the members of your group find yourself most aligned with and why?

The Major Composition Theories

Contemporary Composition Theories

The Crisis in Education That Created Composition Studies (1975)

Chapter 5 Optional Materials