A survey of the theories behind the most important issues and components of the teaching of writing, such as composing processes, grammar, modes, grading, basic writing, invention, style, and more. Students are asked to test some of these theories by direct application to their own or other authors' written texts. A study of the English language from linguistic, social and historical perspectives. Supplementary readings will include selections by critics such as Donald C. Bryant, Richard Ohmann, Robert L. Scott, Terry Eagleton, and James Berlin. Emphasizes traditional and contemporary use of metrics and forms.
Students learn metrical and formal conventions and how to write poems in both formal and free verse.
Students formally evaluate the work of their peers and of established writers. Students will have hands-on practice working with various computer applications, including word processing and spreadsheet applications, presentations software, and graphics and hypertext authoring tools. No previous computer experience necessary. A study of the forms and techniques of the essay, with varied reading and writing assignments to develop the student's own writing skills. See FORL 3131 for course description.