[Englecturers] FYI: Controversy in the Composition Classroom (4/27/05; CCCC, 3/22/06-3/25/06)

[englecturers at lists.ucr.edu]

-----Original Message-----
From: owner-cfp at lists.sas.upenn.edu [mailto:owner-cfp at lists.sas.upenn.edu]
On Behalf Of Gina Merys Mahaffey
Sent: Friday, April 15, 2005 6:59 AM
To: cfp at english.upenn.edu
Subject: CFP: Controversy in the Composition Classroom (4/27/05; CCCC,
3/22/06-3/25/06)


CFP:
Panel: "Positively Controversial: Using Contentious
Subjects to Promote Meaningful Writing"
2006 CCCC Annual Convention in Chicago, March 22-25, 2006.

Although the current trend seems to be one of consistently shying away from
discussing topics that are particularly inciting to students in our
composition classes in an effort to stay the middle ground, we argue that
there specific ways to and reasons for inviting controversy into the
classroom. 
For instance, using so-called "hot button" issues in a
writing course can embolden students to learn how to discuss their opinions
openly and honestly while also producing writing that remains authentic to
their individual value systems.  Additionally, creating dissonance within a
classroom can create a space in which students become familiar with several
sides to an issue rather than relying on a false notion of an only two-sided
debate.  While at times tricky to negotiate, fostering a certain amount of
discord in the classroom can be beneficial to students' growth as proficient
writers as well as reflective citizens of the world.  As such, students
become better equipped to establish receptive communities and real
coalitions within the classroom as well as in other areas of their lives.

Thus, papers for this panel will explore ways in which the classroom can be
enhanced through controversy and controversial subjects.

Please send abstracts by April 27, 2005 to one of the
following contacts (email submissions preferred):

Gina M. Merys
Department of English
Saint Louis University
3800 Lindell Blvd.
St. Louis, MO 63108
mahaffey at slu.edu

and

Susan Fanetti
Department of English Language and Literature
Southern Illinois University Edwardsville
Edwardsville, IL  62026
sfanett at siue.edu

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