Fall 2007

E 36210 • Computers & Writing: History, Theory, Philosophy

Course Description

Computers and Writing is a young subfield of rhetoric and writing studies: early work started only about 20 years ago (driven in large part by work done here at UT's Computer Writing and Research Lab). Despite its short history, Computers and Writing is a vital and popular subfield, one that has begun to drive discussions in rhetoric and composition, professional writing, and related areas. And as digital technologies become ever more integrated into education, work, civic, and leisure activities, we can expect to see this subfield become ever more important. Consequently, writing scholars need a basic grounding in the subfield: What are its driving questions and how have they changed over time? What theoretical frameworks have been deployed in this subfield? What philosophical questions have guided scholarship, research, and pedagogy in this area?

This course provides that basic grounding. In this course, we'll survey this young subfield in terms of its history, theory, and philosophy. Students in this class will develop an understanding of the subfield's broad outlines, including the initial questions that sparked its development and how those questions have changed over time. Readings will include some of the original Computers and Writing scholarship, including early work from the CWRL, as well as more contemporary work. By the end of the class, students will have a strong historical, theoretical, and philosophical understanding of Computers and Writing suitable for underpinning scholarship and pedagogy.

Texts

Syverson, M. The Wealth of Reality.

Course packet

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