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Academic Year 2002/2003

The Theory and Practice of Literacy
ENGL 106 SP

What does it mean to know how to read and write? This course examines the functions and meanings of the written word from a variety of disciplinary perspectives from that of anthropology to cognitive science to literature. Our survey will ask not only what reading means, but also how different disciplines approach the topic. This broad range of theoretical approaches will be supplemented by students' practical participation in literacy programs in the Middletown community.

MAJOR READINGS

Readings will be drawn from the following:
Ong, ORALITY AND LITERACY
Miller, CANTICLE FOR LIEBOWITZ
Clanchy, FROM MEMORY TO WRITTEN RECORD
Boyarin, ed., ETHNOGRAPHY OF READING
Singer, ed., THEORETICAL MODELS AND PROCESSES OF READING

EXAMINATIONS AND ASSIGNMENTS

Several short papers on the assigned readings (15-20pp); Observations on community service work presented for class discussion

ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS and/or COMMENTS

As part of the class, students will be required to participate in the Literacy Volunteers Program, or comparable programs in Middletown. Training for these programs will be provided in class and participation will be coordinated with the help of the Community Service office.

Unless preregistered students attend the first class meeting or communicate directly with the instructor prior to the first class, they will be dropped from the class list. NOTE: Students must still submit a completed Drop/Add form to the Registrar's Office.

COURSE FORMAT: Seminar

REGISTRATION INFORMATION

Level: UGRD    Credit: 1    Gen Ed Area Dept: NONE    Grading Mode: Graded   

Prerequisites: NONE Links to Web Resources For This Course.

Last Updated on MAR-18-2003

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