Moving Beyond Academic Discourse: Composition Studies and the Public Sphere - Softcover

Christian R. Weisser

Softcover

ISBN 10: 0809324164 ISBN 13: 9780809324163

Publisher: Southern Illinois University Pr, 2002

Synopsis

Moving student writing beyond academic discourse and into larger public spheres is a difficult task, but Christian R. Weisser's study challenges composition instructors to do just that. This highly accessible book does what no other study has attempted to do: place the most current, cutting-edge theories and pedagogies in rhetoric and composition in their intellectual and historical contexts, while at the same time offering a unique, practical theory and pedagogy of public writing for use both inside and outside of the classroom. By positing a theory of the public for composition studies, one which envisions the public sphere as a highly contested, historically textured, multilayered, and sometimes contradictory site, Weisser offers a new approach to the roles that compositionists might assume in their attempts to initiate progressive political and social change. After first providing a historical context that situates composition's recent interest in public writing, Weisser next examines recent theories in composition studies that consider writing an act of social engagement before outlining a more complex theory of the public based on the work of Jurgen Habermas. The resulting re-envisioning of the public sphere expands current conversations in rhetoric and composition concerning the public.

About this title

About the Author

Christian R. Weisser is an assistant professor of English at the University of Hawaii (Hilo). He has edited and coauthored several books about writing, including Ecocomposition: Theoretical and Pedagogical Perspectives, Natural Discourse: Toward Ecocomposition, and Electronic Theses and Dissertations: A Sourcebook for Educators, Students, and Librarians.

Edition details

• Publisher: Southern Illinois University Pr
• Publication date: 2002
• Language: English
• ISBN 10: 0809324164
• ISBN 13: 9780809324163
• Binding: Paperback
• Number of pages: 168