Writing Center

Written Discourse Theory and Application

Syllabus:  English 3951

Text:  Murphy, Christina and Steve Sherwood; The Saint Martin's Sourcebook for Writing  Tutors, 1995.

Readings from: 

• Maxwell, Martha, Ed.; When Tutor Meets Student, Second Edition, 1994. 
• Meyer, Emily and Louise Z. Smith; The Practical Tutor, 1987. 
• The Writing Lab Newsletter 
• The Writing Center Journal 
• The Journal of Basic Writing

Participation in: 

• The North Texas Writing Centers Association mini-conferences 
• The Texas Association of Writing Centers session at the Conference for  College Teachers of English

Purpose of the Course:  The purpose of this course is to provide students with a sound pedagogical foundation for working with writers, especially in individual and small group settings.  In addition, the course intends to help students become more aware of their own writing process.

Specifically, students in the course will:

1. develop a theoretical basis for working with writers 
2. begin to investigate and interpret the complexities of tutoring writing 
3. gain practical knowledge which allows them to effectively work in a  variety of writing tutorial settings, as well as with different types of  writers 
4. be able to analyze and interpret different tutoring styles and apply them in  various tutorial situations 
5. extend their own writing experiences through formal essays and observational  journals

The course includes an intensive study of written discourse theory and current Writing Center pedagogy.  In addition to the required text, students will also read and respond to journal articles.  Also, the course is designed to allow students to observe tutoring sessions conducted by experienced tutors.

Finally, the course can benefit students as they become professionals.  First, students who plan to work with writers in public school or university settings will have a sound pedagogical basis for tutoring their own students.  Next, students who complete the course may become eligible to work in the University Writing Center or the Basic Writing Lab, which is valuable experience for any students who intend to work with writers in the future. 

Course Requirements:

1. Students will participate in all class discussions. 
2. Students will complete all required assignments. 
3. Students will attend all class meetings and tutorial sessions.

The class will meet one hour each week.

Assignments:

Students should complete all assignments on time.  The assignments are designed so students can demonstrate competence and an in-depth awareness of all facets of the course.

Some of the assignments include:

1. A written analysis of the two most common tutoring styles, directive and non-directive; paired with an examination of which personal qualities tutors must have in order to execute these two tutoring styles.  Students should also be able to explain when and how to implement these styles.
2. Analysis of instructors’ assignment sheets paired with student writing samples.  Students will determine how well the samples match the assignment requirements and offer tutorial advice to help the writers of the papers develop their essays appropriately.
3. Journal entries concerning master tutorial sessions the students observe.  Students will be expected to determine how effective the sessions are, which tutoring styles are implemented, as well as other important issues.
4. A final examination which asks the students to respond to an actual student paper.  The students are to assume they must tutor the writer.  Students will explain this tutorial session  by writing a four to five page essay which reflects their understanding of the pedagogical and theoretical foundations of tutoring writers.