Theorizing Composition: A Critical Sourcebook of Theory and Scholarship in Contemporary Composition Studies

(Hardback)

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Description

The last 25 years have witnessed extraordinary growth in the academic specialization variously described as composition studies or rhetoric and composition. What was noticeable about the field in its infancy was a preoccupation with practice, a lack of emphasis on theory, and an exclusive reliance on the writing process. As its disciplinary status has grown, the field has become far more theoretical. Composition studies has expanded its focus, reconceptualized the writing process, and embraced a wide range of critical perspectives. The result of this change is that terms such as poststructuralism, social construction, gender, and genre, which were largely unknown in 1965, now dominate discussion. This reference book is a guide to the multiplicity of theories that have emerged to form the disciplinary foundation of composition studies. The volume consists of 66 entries, each of which is written by an expert contributor and focuses on a particular theory or group of theories. While the entries show how various individuals have contributed to theoretical movements, very few concentrate on the work of a single theorist. Each entry first provides a critical summary of a particular theory or group of theories, including key elements, basic concepts and claims, and information about seminal or particularly influential works. It then reviews the theory's critical reception in composition studies and discusses its significance in the field. The bibliography at the end of each entry lists primary texts and major scholarship related to the theory and provides additional suggestions for further reading. The volume closes with a selected bibliography of important works.

Reviews

As an attempt to integrate theory with research and practice, this volume makes a helpful contribution that goes beyond the glossing of theories to providing a forum for a significant number of composition and rhetoric scholars to bring their theoretical insights to a potentially large audience. Theorizing Composition is well worth having on one's shelf. Mary Lynch Kennedy has assembled a wealth of information about the textual and intellectual foundations of Composition Studies. Her stated purpose-to demystify theoretical discussion for practioners-is fulfilled. She and her contributors chart a theoretical web that informs much of what we do and ay as compositionists.-Rhetoric Review
Certainly no library supporting education and composition studies should be without it.-Choice
"Certainly no library supporting education and composition studies should be without it."-Choice
"As an attempt to integrate theory with research and practice, this volume makes a helpful contribution that goes beyond the glossing of theories to providing a forum for a significant number of composition and rhetoric scholars to bring their theoretical insights to a potentially large audience. Theorizing Composition is well worth having on one's shelf. Mary Lynch Kennedy has assembled a wealth of information about the textual and intellectual foundations of Composition Studies. Her stated purpose-to demystify theoretical discussion for practioners-is fulfilled. She and her contributors chart a theoretical web that informs much of what we do and ay as compositionists."-Rhetoric Review

Author Bio

MARY LYNCH KENNEDY is Professor of English and Director of Composition at the State University of New York at Cortland.