ENG 552 Composition Studies
Fall 2010 Course Description & Syllabus

DAYS:  W 4:40-7:30
CREDITS:  3
LINE NUMBER: 84652
ROOM:  LL 241

Peter Goggin
OFFICE:  LL 308B
OFFICE HOURS:  Wed. 11:30-2:30 Tues. 1:30-2:30 (and by appointment)
PHONE EXTENSION: 965-7748
E-MAIL:  goggin1@asu.edu
COURSE CALENDAR: http://www.public.asu.edu/~petergo/courses/eng552/552assignments.html

TEXTBOOKS:

• Ede, L. (2004). Situating composition: Composition studies and the politics of location. Carbondale: Southern Illinois University Press.
• Heilker, P., & Vandenberg, P. (Eds.). (1996). Keywords in composition studies. Portsmouth, NH: Boynton/Cook.
• Miller, S. (Ed). (2009). The Norton book of composition studies. New York, W. W. Norton.
• Petraglia, J. (Ed.). (1995). Reconceiving writing, rethinking writing instruction. Mahwah, NJ: Lawrence Erlbaum.

COURSE DESCRIPTION:
Composition Studies 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, 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 future 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 theoretical landscape that is composition.

REQUIREMENTS: (Detailed descriptions of the following required assignments will be distributed)
 weekly reader response (BlackBoard journal) see prompt
 call for papers/proposals project
 keywords in composition studies project with bibliography
 participation and attendance
 classroom colloquium

ASSIGNMENT DEADLINES:
 Call for papers/proposals project Sept 15
 Keywords project drafts Oct. 13
 Keywords project revisions Nov. 10
 Keywords presentations and projects Dec. 1

OTHER IMPORTANT DATES:
 Nov. 2 registration begins for Spring '11
 Nov. 11 Veteran's Day holiday
 Nov. 25-6 Thanksgiving Day holiday
 Dec. 7 last day complete withdrawal

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
 •  Weekly reader response - 20%
 •  Call for papers/proposals project - 10%
 •  Keywords project and presentation - 50%
 •  Participation & attendance, and colloquium - 20%

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.