Teaching

COURSES TAUGHT

RhetComp Courses:

WRD 204: Technical Writing (Online and Lecture)

Instruction and experience in writing for science and technology. Emphasis on precision, clarity, and conciseness in preparing rhetorically effective letters, proposals, reports, and presentations for specific audiences. The purpose of this course is to help students grow as writers in ways that will prepare them to meet the demands of the technical writing they will need to do in their studies and ultimately in the workplace. Part of their task is to produce clear, concise, and effective memos, reports, and proposals that respond to the needs of specific audiences. They also continue developing research skills through critical reading of shared texts, library research, and fieldwork.

WRD 111: Composition and Communication II (Online and Lecture):

Composition and Communication II is the second of two general education courses focused on integrated oral, written, and visual communication skill development emphasizing critical inquiry and research. In this course, students explore issues of public concern using rhetorical analysis, use ethnographic skills engage in deliberation over those issues, and ultimately propose solutions based on well-developed arguments. Students sharpen their ability to conduct research; compose and communicate in written, oral, and visual modalities; and work effectively in groups. The focus is on investigating the concepts of cultural and community identity using ethnographic practices as well as engaging ethical and critical concerns. By expanding our view of culture and community we come to recognize and investigate one issue this community faces.

WRD 110: Composition and Communication I (Online and Lecture):

WRD 110 is a course in speaking and writing emphasizing critical inquiry and research. Our concept of research goes far beyond an ordinary (and frankly, boring) concept of looking up information and plugging it into essays. Research is a creative, complex and exciting process. Students engage in reflective thinking and analysis, conduct primary research in the community and secondary research using library resources, and learn how to write and speak effectively as we answer questions focusing on our place in different communities and in evolving places in our lives. A significant component of the class is learning to use visuals and online resources to enhance writing and oral presentations. Over the course of the semester, students can expect to work independently, with a partner, or with a small group of classmates to investigate, share findings, and compose presentations of their research, as well as to practice and evaluate interpersonal and team dynamics in action.

WRD 203: Business Writing (Online and Lecture)

WRD 203 offers instruction and experience in writing for business, industry and government with emphasis on clarity, conciseness, and effectiveness in preparing letters, memos, and reports for specific audiences. While WRD 203 introduces the various common forms and conventions of business writing, it also requires students to analyze rhetorical, contextual, and ethical factors affecting all human
communication. Because writing is such a complex activity, not easily reducible to rules and formulas, WRD 203 uses a process approach to writing. Each unit encourages students to approach their writing in stages, to consider the common steps writers follow and the decisions
they must make during the development of any writing project. In addition to offering strategies for planning, researching, drafting, revising, and editing documents, we urge students to examine the broader picture, to consider ways to respond effectively and ethically to professional situations and audiences.

ENG 001: Written Expression:

(University of Vermont, Fall 2011-Spring 2013)
Written Expression invited students to explore writing not just as a form of composition but as a form of communication that plays various roles in our personal, social and academic lives. This course aimed to provide the opportunity to increase students' understanding about the ways to create dialog from inquiry by developing their writing skills.

Literature Courses:

ENG 290: Introduction to Women's Literature: "Women on the Road"

Since Homer's Odyssey, literature has described travelers, their journeys and transformations. While on the road, travelers face conditions that can be dangerous, difficult, or sometimes convenient. This class will focus on women's versions of such stories. How do journeys change women? What does it mean to be on the move?
Physically? Mentally? Or Emotionally? Women on the Road is a course of journeys - both literal and figurative. In this course, we will trace geographies and explorations in a variety of literary genres including novels, short stories, and self-life narratives across time and space. In this course, we will read and write a lot. You should expect short writing assignments throughout the semester in addition to regular reading quizzes. Our journey will begin with the fugitive slave Harriett Jacobs in antebellum America. We will trespass physical and social boundaries of Saudi Arabia with Manal Al-Sharif, inquire into the Islamic Revolution in Iran with the guidance of Marjane Satrapi, follow Alison Bechdel through her archival journey of self-discovery, and more.

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