Writing at UMM
Understanding Writing: Theories and Practices
Understanding Writing is an introduction to composition studies, a subfield of English that focuses not on literature but on the process of writing, with emphasis on how people can best learn and teach writing. Although this course is housed in the English discipline, it is intended for serious writers in any major.
In this class, we'll pair theoretical inquiry into the nature of writing and learning with explorations of practical strategies for teaching and tutoring writing. Readings will introduce ideas about writing and teaching; discussions and writing assignments will allow us to further examine the issues raised by the readings.
We will assume that writing is a process with many stages and that all writers, no matter how accomplished or successful, can benefit from thoughtful feedback on their writing. We will examine the ways in which writing is shaped by disciplinary conventions and the areas of difference and overlap among those conventions. Our investigation of these issues should help you not only to assist others with their writing but to become more aware of your own writing processes and to develop and grow as writers yourselves.
The course also prepares students to work in UMM's Writing Room.
last updated: Tuesday, 26-Aug-2008 11:33:58 CDT