Celebration of Student Writing
Presented by: The UofL Composition Program
April 8, 2009

What is it?

The Celebration of Student Writing is an interactive event intended to showcase student work for the entire campus community. The presence of a live audience presents student with the opportunity for engagement and greater discussion. The Celebration is also an important opportunity for the Composition Program to exhibit the great work that students and instructors accomplish.

Who participates?

For this first year, the festival is open to composition and creative writing students. Research work completed in the 102 and 105 classroom is the perfect fit for our Celebration, but any work completed in a Composition Program class is welcome.

Why should I include the Celebration on my syllabus?

There are benefits for both the instructor and the students in regards to participation in the festival.

Students benefit from:
•    having the opportunity to address a real audience and apply rhetorical concepts
•    receiving feedback from a diverse population
•    taking pride in the work they produce
•    seeing those concepts from class play out in the “real world.”

Instructors are able to:
•    teach to an actual audience
•    receive public accolades for their underappreciated work
•    see what instructors do in other English courses
•    increase the visibility of the Composition Program.

What support is in place?

The Celebration is designed to cause minimal syllabus disruption. To prepare for the celebration, you are invited to participate in any or all of the following:

•    a pedagogy workshop on December 3rd to brainstorm ways to include the Celebration in your spring semester syllabus
•    an early 2009 workshop that continues this work
•    support from the Composition Program as the Celebration nears

The best way to become involved is to attend the December 3rd workshop. Attendance does not represent commitment of any kind. The meeting is intended to answer questions and generate participation.

Who do I contact for more information?

Please contact Matt Dowell (mattldowell@gmail.com; 852-5919) with questions or to receive more information.