My First-Year Writing Curriculum

My first-year writing curriculum draws on inquiry as the genesis of writing and emphasizes audience awareness and authentic communication. Built upon the independent study I completed under the advisement of Dr. Ellen Cushman at Michigan State University, the writing projects and activities align with my teaching philosophy by giving writers agency and choice in their composition studies as well as ensuring their learning is relevant and meaningful to their lives and goals. As I work with community college students, including adult learners, English language learners, and other non-traditional students, I continue to adjust these projects to further challenge and support my students as they pursue an understanding of how writing can help them achieve their goals. 


Major Writing Projects

Each of these projects develop the writing and rhetorical skills beginning writers need to succeed in many academic and professional pursuits, including narrative, summary, analysis, argument, research, and audience awareness. 

Syllabus 

This syllabus emphasizes the environment of respect, authenticity, and inquiry I would strive to create in a composition course designed for adult and non-traditional learners. Download Syllabus

Semester Projects 

These projects ask students to work throughout the semester to develop their skills in vocabulary, research, personal writing, and community building.
Download Word of the Week // Download Journals

Peer Review

Final Portfolio
These documents help students understand and complete useful peer response activities.
Download Peer Response Preparation // Download Peer Response Form
The final portfolio asks students to revise and reflect on the writing they have done and the skills they have developed over the course of the semester. 
Download Final Portfolio