ENGL 299 B1: Essay Writing for Education Students

K. Martin

This course has two aims: a) to familiarize students with the origins of both classical argumentation and of the essay as a genre, and b) to critically consider these forms, with reference to the work of feminist writers, Black writers, Indigenous writers, and writers of colour. The essay, in other words, is a form that we will study, practice, and problematize. Our goal is that when we do write essays, we do so with a critical awareness of the traditions that we are either strategically participating in--or eschewing. Together, we will work through three different essay forms, this labour being supported by in-class drafting, workshopping, and peer review. While there is no exam in this course, students will be encouraged to keep up with the reading and core concepts via near-weekly quizzes and hands-on practice.