Michael Hennessy
English 5182
Practicum in Composition
Syllabus for Fall 2000
Tuesday 2-3:40, FH 226
Office: FH 217
Hours: M-T-W-H 9-10
Phone: 245-3782
- Description
An introduction to key concepts and practices in the teaching of expository writing at the college level. Required for first-year TAs in the English Department.
- Goals
To develop effective teaching practices and to reflect on the theoretical assumptions that underpin those practices.
- Texts
Connors and Glenn, The New St. Martin¹s Guide to Teaching Writing (NSMG) and the textbooks for English 1310
- Resources
The Writing Center has a new resource room, located in FH G04, that contains useful books and handouts for first-year English instructors. Take advantage of this new resource. I also have a number of professional books and textbooks in my office. If you wish to read more about a particular topic, let me know.
- Attendance.
Mandatory. If an emergency prevents you from coming to class, notify me as soon as possible.
- Assignments
Four class observation reports; a presentation or demonstration. Sign up on first day of the practicum.
- Evaluation
I will base your course grade on attendance, participation, and the assignments.
- Schedule
A schedule of topics and readings follows. At any time we may depart from the schedule to discuss issues that come up in your English 1310 sections.
NSMG = New St. Martin¹s Guide to Teaching Writing
9/5
Topics: matching practice to theory‹the "what," "how," and "why" of teaching writing; the role of reading; formulating assignments; situating the writing course
Reading: NSMG 1-59; Bartholmae/Elbow (handout); Machiavelli selection from World of Ideas
9/12
Topics: teaching the writing process‹exploring, planning, drafting; theories of composing; rhetorical situations
Reading: NSMG 123-156
9/19
Topics: teaching the writing process‹revising, editing; collaboration and peer review
Reading: NSMG 45-53, 331-338 (Emig)
9/26
Topics: responding to and evaluating student writing
Reading: NSMG 97-115, 339-347 (Sommers)
10/3
Topics: discussing student writing in class; conferences; the SWT Writing Center
Reading: NSMG 53-59, 324-346 (Garrison)
10/10
Topics: teaching "style" and correctness
Reading: NSMG 232-288, 467-481 (Connors and Lunsford)
10/17
Topics: wrap-up; the end of the term in English 1310; observation reports due
Reading: NSMG 116-120
11/28
Please reserve 2-3:30 on this day - a Tuesday--for an end-of-the term workshop about teaching English 1320.
designed by Scott A. Johnson