Sanchez – The Function of Theory in Composition Studies
Sanchez, Raul. The Function of Theory in Composition Studies. Albany: SUNY Press. 2005. Chapter One: The Current State of Composition Theory S. starts with a fairly straightforward claim, “The function of theory in composition studies is to provide generalized accounts of what writing is and how it works” (1). It is based on empirical study and pedagogical practice. Theory must also have a “mutually informing relationship” with... Read More
Aristotle – On Rhetoric
Aristotle – On Rhetoric *******These are just a collection of reflections on this work, NOT an outline or organized, sustained treatment. According to Kennedy, “The great strength of On Rhetoric derives from its clear recognition (in contrast to views expressed by Plato) that rhetoric is a technique or tool applicable to any subject and from the universality and utility of its basic, systematically organized, concepts. (20). These include... Read More
CCR760 – Miller – Genre as Social Action
Miller, Carolyn R. “Genre as Social Action.” Quarterly Journal of Speech 70 2 (1984): 151-67. Print. Miller isn’t content with the definition of genre as 1) similarity in strategies or forms in discourse; 2) similarities in audience; 3) similarities in modes of thinking; and 4) similarities in rhetorical situations (151). Working from Korhrs Campbell and Jamieson, Miller contends that the study of genre is useful not because it creates... Read More
CCR711 – Miller – What Should College English Be. . . Doing?
Miller, Thomas. “What Should College English Be… Doing?” College English 69 2 (2006): 150-55. Print. As with much of his work, Miller traces some of the binary-based themes about English in this article. Miller starts by noting how most conversations about English studies have traditionally centered around the question of what English is to what it’s teachers and students should be doing. Other discussions of English have focused... Read More
CCR760 – Miller, Rutter, Sullivan, Lay, Slack et. al.
Readings from Johnson-Eilola and Selber’s Central Works in Technical Communication Miller, C. (1979, 2004). A humanistic rationale for technical communication. 47-54. Rutter, R. (1991, 2004). History, rhetoric, & humanism: Toward a more comprehensive definition of technical communication. 20-34. Sullivan, D.L. (1990, 2004). Political-ethical implications of defining technical communication as a practice. 211-219. Lay,... Read More
