Keywords Scholar's Journal

Composition Studies
Spring 2005

Because the ways in which scholars define, treat, attend or not attend to, key terms in rhetoric and composition studies offers insights into their theoretical positions, you'll want to pay particular attention to the use of, or silence on, key terms in our readings. To that end, you will keep a keyword scholar's journal where you will record definitions, quotations, and your impressions of how a scholar treats two keywords of your choosing.

• Skim Keywords in Composition Studies and select two key terms that interest you.
• As you read assigned pieces, take note of how the author(s) define, use, ignore, challenge, extend, etc. your key terms. Enter your observations in your journal.
• Periodically (every 3-4 weeks), reread your entries and write a reflection on your observations so far.
• You might find it useful to jot down questions as you read, or make other observations on the readings and the class discussions, draw connections among assigned and out-of-class readings. Your journal should serve as a valuable resources for grappling with the readings.
• Bring you Keyword Scholar's Journal to each class. We'll use these at times as a jumping off point for discussions and activities.