This study explores how a theory of composing situations as ecological systems might be productively applied in composition studies. In the process it demonstrates not only how new research in cognitive science and complex systems can inform composition studies, but in turn, how composing situations can be fruitful sites for research in cognitive science. The first chapter introduces theories of complex systems currently studied in diverse disciplines. Writers, readers, and texts, together with their environments, constitute one kind of ecological system.
Embodiment refers to the grounding of complex systems in physical experience and interactions.
Emergence refers to the self-organization that arises globally in networks of simple components connected to each other and acting locally. Enaction refers to the situated practices and activities that structure the composing situation as it unfolds over time. The final chapter discusses some implications of an ecological approach for composition research, pedagogy, and assessment. Some challenges to the theory are presented, and further directions for research are proposed. Finally, this chapter argues that technological changes have created new environments for composing, providing an opportunity to reconsider conventional environments as well.