Monash University Education Handbook, 1997

GED3836

Writing: theory, research and practice

Not offered in 1997

Dr I A Snyder

12 points
* 3 hours per week
* Clayton

Objectives Upon successful completion of this subject, students should have gained an understanding of the major issues and current debates in writing theory and practice, including product, process and social views of writing development; composing processes; the implications for the teaching and learning of writing with the use of computers; different approaches to the teaching of writing; writing in different genres; assessing and responding to students' writing; the teaching and learning of writing and NESB students; the range and scope of research and action research studies in writing; the possibilities for a multidisciplinary approach to research in writing; the basic skills required to carry out research effectively; the conceptual and practical concerns that guide effective writing classes.

Synopsis This subject examines recent developments in writing research and practice, and explores the influences of theory and research in the teaching and learning of writing P-12 and tertiary. The subject has two major objectives: (1) to investigate the range of curriculum possibilities available to teachers of writing; and (2) to develop students' research skills. Topics include an historical overview of research in writing with a particular emphasis on product, process and social views of writing; an analysis of composing processes; approaches to the teaching of writing; writing narrative and argument; writing with computers; assessing and responding to students' writing; teaching and learning writing for students from non-English-speaking backgrounds. A collection of readings is provided for the subject. It includes articles by Emig, Christie, Brandt, Bizzell, Graves, Murray, Andrews, Barnes, Selfe, Swales.

Assessment Assignment (1000 words): 20%
* Research paper (5000 words): 80%

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