ENG 532 Composition Theory
Spring 2003 Course Description & Syllabus

DAYS:  MW 4:40-5:55
CREDITS:  3
LINE NUMBER:  67380
ROOM:  LL 013

Peter Goggin
OFFICE:  LL 308B
OFFICE HOURS:  Mon. noon-1:00  Wed. noon-3:00 (and by appointment)
PHONE EXTENSION: 965-7748
E-MAIL:  petergo@asu.edu
COURSE CALENDAR: http://www.public.asu.edu/~petergo/courses/comptheory/532assignments.html

TEXTBOOKS:

• Dewey, J. (1938). Experience and education (1997). New York: Touchstone.
• Heilker, P., & Vandenberg, P. (Eds.). (1996). Keywords in composition studies. Portsmouth, NH: Boynton/Cook.
• Petraglia, J. (Ed.). (1995). Reconceiving writing, rethinking writing instruction. Mahwah, NJ: Lawrence Erlbaum.
• Kent, T. (Ed.). (1999). Post-process theory: Beyond the writing-process paradigm. Carbondale and Edwardsville: Southern Illinois University Press.
• Vygotsky, L. S. (1978). Mind in society: The development of higher psychological processes. Cambridge, MA: Harvard University Press.
• Wiley, M., Gleason, B., & Phelps, L. W. (Eds.). (1996). Composition in four keys: Inquiring into the field. Mountain View, CA: Mayfield.

COURSE DESCRIPTION:

Composition Theory is an introduction to various theories underlying scholarly and pedagogical practices in the contemporary field of rhetoric and composition. In this course, we will examine some of the major theories and seminal works that have defined, shaped, and challenged the study and teaching of writing in higher education. The goal is not to cover everything that is composition theory, but rather to build a foundation of knowledge about some of the key theories, assumptions, approaches and debates about written communication practices and literacy education. In doing so, we will consider the historical, cultural, and political contexts in which particular theories are valued. This foundation can serve as a springboard into more in-depth study of composition theory and issues related to composition theory. For instance, we will also consider why theoretical assumptions lead scholars and teachers to accept, reject, challenge, and ignore certain practices and approaches, and how certain kinds of literate practices give rise to, support, challenge, or undermine certain theories. The readings, discussions, and projects we will engage in this semester will help us to explore the broad, complex, shifting landscape that is composition theory.

REQUIREMENTS: (Detailed descriptions of the following required assignments will be distributed)
 weekly reader response
 journal series analysis
 keywords in composition studies update project
 seminar paper proposal and bibliography
 participation and attendance

ASSIGNMENT DEADLINES:
 Seminar paper research question   Feb 12
 Journal series report and presentation  Mar. 5
 Keywords project drafts   Mar. 26
 Seminar paper proposal draft Apr. 9
 Keywords project due   Apr. 30
 Seminar paper proposal presentations   Apr. 30 & May 5
 Seminar paper proposal and bibliography due   May 5

OTHER IMPORTANT DATES:
 Jan. 16 last day Drop/Add
 Feb. 4 last day unrestricted course withdrawal
 March 16-23 Spring Break
 Apr. 4 last day restricted course withdrawal
 Apr. 30 last day restricted complete withdrawal
 May 6 last day of classes

PARTICIPATION & ATTENDANCE: Because so much of what is to be learned in this course occurs in class, regular attendance is expected. The course is so constructed that even a few absences will create serious problems. Be prepared each class to offer comments and pose questions on the day’s assigned readings.

GRADES
 •  Seminar paper research question - 5%
 •  Journal series report and presentation - 15%
 •  Weekly reader response- 15%
 •  Keywords project - 25%
 •  Seminar paper proposal - 25%
 •  Participation & attendance - 15%

ASSIGNMENTS: Papers not turned in on the due date will be marked down a letter grade for each week the paper is late.

INCOMPLETES: Please do not assume that an incomplete will be given upon request.  University and departmental policy on the handling of incompletes will be followed; only in the case of verified emergencies and illnesses will an incomplete be given.