Why is theory important for teaching composition?
- Grounding pedagogy on a particular theory gives us scholarly support for the teaching approach we take
- If a teacher does not clearly define the theory on which their pedagogy is grounded, then their teaching can lead to value-mode confusion
- Un-theorized pedagogy can put teaching methods at odds with assessment practices; theorizing teaching helps make evaluation more meaningful and useful
- See Richard Fulkerson
- See James Berlin
Philosophies of Composition (Fulkerson)
Expressive
- Emphasizes the writer
Rhetorical
- Writing’s effect on the reader
- Pathos (emotion)/ethos (ethical standing) /logos (logic)
Mimetic
- Writing grounded in reality (requires research/good writing=good thinking)
Formalist
- Writing is based on traits within the work/language/correctness
Pedagogical Theories (Berlin)
Neo-Aristotelian/Classicists
- Reality can be known and communicated through language; the word signifies the thing—language and meaning are one/deduction
Postivists/Current-Traditionalists
- emphasizes induction and the use of the scientific method/genuis; teaches the modes of expression (exposition, description, narration, and argumentation—plus poetry/oratory); verifiable truth
Neo-Platanists/Expressionists
- Reality is in flux/language is not fixed; it’s fluid
New Rhetoricians
- Invention (creative thought about the topic)/arrangement (logic of the argument)/style (use of language)
Britton
How does writing function?
- Transactional
- Expressive
- Poetic
Composition Theories
Here are some of the most common Composition Theories/Composition Pedagogies:
- Process Theory
- Expressive Pedagogy
- Rhetorical Theory
- Cognitive Theory
- Social Constructionism
- Post-Process Theory
- Collaborative Learning Theory
- Cultural Studies Theory
- Critical Pedagogy
- Feminist Pedagogy
- Second Language Writing Theory
- Language Theory
- Basic Writing Pedagogy
- Writing Center Theory
- Digital Literacies/Tech Pedagogy/Technology Theory
- Service Learning
- Writing Across the Curriculum (WAC)/Writing in the Disciplines (WID)
- Disability Studies
- COMIC Book Pedagogy
- Literary Theory