Upcoming Writing Instruction Support Events

Western Libraries will host two upcoming faculty development sessions in the Writing Instruction Support program: 

Avoiding Assignments from Hell-- Join us for refreshments and discussion on the topic of problem assignments at the second "Research-Writing Happy Hour," Thursday, April 6 from 4-5 p.m. in Western Libraries Special Collections, (Wilson Library 6th Floor). Guest speakers will include the director of Writing in the Hacherl Research & Writing Studio, Roberta Kjesrud, and a panel of student studio assistants. Together they will provide composite examples of problem writing assignments that have come through the studio at WWU, such as:

  • The Long and the Short (What's the Goldilocks length?)
  • The Angry Diatribe (Where's the line between guidance and venting?)
  • The Sorry, Not This Term (How far should a challenge go? What can you do when your discipline demands extensive original research, but you only have a ten-week quarter in which to assign and evaluate it?)

 

Reading & Discussion: Roots of Rhetoric and Writing in the Liberal Arts - This event takes place off-campus at Aslan Brewery (this is a child-friendly location--if you have kids, bring them along!) on Friday May 5 (please note: this event replaces the one originally scheduled for Friday, April 21), from 4:15-5:15 p.m.  Join us for an informal discussion of some of the oldest writing on rhetoric and education, Gorgias's "The Encomium of Helen" and "On What is Not or On Nature," and together we’ll consider questions like:

  • What purpose should the study of rhetoric and writing serve in a liberal arts curriculum?
  • Is writing a practical skill? A philosophical discipline for the pursuit of wisdom? 

RSVPs for both events are appreciated but not required. Please send comments and questions to Julie Dugger, director of Writing Instruction Support, a Learning Commons partner.  

Unable to come, but interested in the topic? Click on this link for more:  https://collegelevelwritingdrafts.wikispaces.com/file/view/Muriel+Harris.doc