Wednesday, June 24, 2009

Maiden Voyage: ENGL 7/6550 Writing Center Theory and Practice

Class doesn't start for another two weeks, but I'm posting this brief introduction well in advance in the hopes of mitigating any e-screw-ups. We have our work cut out for us: reams of reading and writing, hours of discussion and reflection. But I'm a damned decent guy and a fair and patient teacher, so if you play the role of student and avoid the trap of mere SPECTATOR, you should do just fine. I look forward to working with each of you, hearing what you have to say about the material we'll cover AND about your experiences in the University Writing Center, and helping season the stew of ambiguity every graduate student swims around in as they transition into the role of teacher. I. A. Richards understood ambiguity as "the hinge of thought." Ambiguity, seen as a hinge, articulates between what is known and comfortable and what is unknown and uncomfortable. You already know a great deal about writing and how to tutor inexperienced writers; I hope this class helps to illuminate your experiences and focalize what you've learned toward your teaching futures.