Going Public: What Writing Programs Learn from Engagement

• Main Author: Rose, Shirley K. (auth)
• Other Authors: Weiser, Irwin (auth)
• Format: Electronic Book Chapter
• Language: No linguistic content, Not applicable
• Published: Utah State University, University Libraries 2010
• Online Access: DOAB: download the publication; DOAB: description of the publication

An important new resource for WPA preparation courses. In Going Public, Rose and Weiser moderate a discussion of the role of the writing program vis-a-vis the engagement movement, the service learning movement, and the current interest in public discourse/civic rhetoric among scholars of rhetoric and composition. While there have been a number of publications describing service-learning and community leadership programs, most of these focus on curricular elements and address administrative issues primarily from a curricular perspective. The emphasis of Going Public is on the ways that engagement-focused programs change conceptions of WPA identity. Writing programs are typically situated at points where students make the transition from community to college or from college to community, and are already dedicated to developing literacies that are critically needed in communities. As institutions begin to include more explicit engagement with citizen and stakeholder groups as an element of their mission, writing program administrators find themselves with an opportunity to articulate ways in which writing program goals and purposes can significantly contribute to achieving these new institutional goals.