English

An online study of theories of composition, suitable for candidates of writing and for candidates interested in teaching writing; includes theory, practice, and evaluation.

Survey of African-American Literature: In order to gain a voice in American society, African-Americans first had to claim a voice in literature. This course covers some of the most important writers and periods in the African-American literary tradition. We will study each writer’s distinct contributions to and within a specific age or aesthetic as well as the continuum of African-American literature from the mid-1800s to the present, appreciating the fluidity of terms, dates, and styles as well as comparable narrative impulses among diverse writers. Reading a variety of genres, we will try to answer questions such as: How have these writers helped to establish an African-American literary tradition? How is “the African-American experience” or the “African-American community” represented on the page? What role does ethnicity or “race” play in these texts? How do ethnicity, gender, race, and class intersect? Throughout the term, we will consider how major African-American writers incorporate orature, art, aesthetics, and socio-political commentary into their works, appealing to and enriching readers from all walks of life. Simply put, there would be no “American” literature at all without African-American literature.

Shakespeare. An online study of Shakespeare’s art and craft through study of important plays: comedies, tragedies, and histories.

An online study of the theory and practice of reading poetry. Candidates will read, discuss, recite and write about a selection of contemporary and classic poems while: 1) reviewing theories and testimonies about the purpose and value of poetry; 2) learning and taking ownership of the vocabulary used to describe and analyze poetic texts; and 3) investigating the ways in which the performance of poetry (reading aloud, reciting from memory, attending a poetry reading) extends its ability to enrich individual and community experience. Completing this work will demystify the practice of reading poetry and liberate it from harmful myths about its relevance, obscurity (“hidden meanings”) and elite appeal. Instead, this course will allow candidate to develop facility as advanced readers and advocates for the unique pleasures and power of poetic art.

This course addresses research and instructional techniques in teaching the three forms of writing addressed in the college readiness standards: narrative, informative/explanatory, and argumentative writing.

An online study of important principles and methods used in teaching writing in order to accommodate special needs and a diverse student population. Applying guidelines from the state (KDE), Common Core Standards, and National Standards (NCTE), the class will read grade-level appropriate texts, participate in forums, and discuss (1) how to improve their informational and argumentative writing assignments in various disciplines and at various levels; (2) how to improve peer review and group work to minimize teacher work and to allow student ownership of writing/learning; (3) how to improve evaluation and grading of student writing. As a culminating project, each participant will write and peer review (using Canvas (LMS) or other online collaborative software) a short syllabus of writing activities that reflects new or improved activities to address varying needs.

Action Research in the Teaching of Writing. An online action research methods course in the teaching of writing. Candidates will study quantitative and qualitative methodologies as they pertain to the action research process in order to examine the role of action research in effective educational change. Prerequisites: Open to all candidates admitted to the Graduate Studies program at Georgetown College.