Theory and Practice of Teaching Composition (online) [***]

English 7010
Section 01
Semester
Summer
Year
2025
Penny Smith-Parris
Asynchronous online
Course Description

In this course, we will engage in the theory and praxis of Rhetoric and
Composition. We will familiarize ourselves with the depth and breadth of the field by engaging with both
classic and contemporary works by renowned scholars. Drawing from our readings, we will apply
scholarship from the field to our understanding of writing pedagogy. To this end, we will consider how to
center student writing and experience; design scaffolded writing projects that promote student
engagement and growth over time; design and facilitate daily learning experiences that combine a variety
of teaching and learning modes, methods, and materials to foster an inclusive community of writers;
develop our own goals as teachers and scholars; and reflect on our learning to support our continuing
professional development.
Some assignments and course activities include: reading and responding to selected articles and chapters
on rhetoric and composition theory and pedagogy; writing reflective journal entries; compiling an
annotated bibliography; developing a teaching philosophy; creating and workshopping instructional
materials grounded in disciplinary research in composition and writing studies; and assembling a teaching
portfolio.