An important contribution to the scholarship on student writing and composition theory, this book presents a new approach to writing instruction based on linguistic research and theory. In this book, leading scholar James D. Williams explores the historical failures of composition studies and the need for effective writing instruction to be grounded in the immersive principles of language acquisition.
Starting with an indictment of the historical failures of composition studies to teach students how to become competent writers, the book moves beyond the current flawed theories and practices to introduce a new way forward to improving students’ writing skills. Accessible and jargon-free, Williams skillfully explains how students must be immersed in target dialects and registers, with access to a range of authentic texts, to become effective writers of academic discourse. Chapters include authentic writing samples from the disciplines, including life and applied sciences, social sciences, and humanities.
Essential for preservice and practicing teachers of writing, as well as scholars in composition and literacy studies, the book demonstrates how language acquisition is a necessary foundation and provides a road map to improving students’ writing proficiency.
Author(s): James D. Williams
Edition: 1
Publisher: Routledge
Year: 2022
Cover
Half Title
Title Page
Copyright Page
Dedication
Table of Contents
Preface
Chapter 1: Theory and Practice in Composition Studies
The Importance of Theories Good and Bad
Characteristics of a Good Theory
Writing Studies and Theory
Theory in the Humanities
Theory in Education, Composition Studies, and Social Science
Models of Procedure
A Lack of Linguistic Knowledge
Writing Handbooks
Writing Coherence
More on Theory
Writing in the Disciplines/Writing Across the Curriculum
Myside Bias
Notes
Chapter 2: Language Acquisition and Academic Writing
Acquisition Begins in the Womb
Words, Structure, and Meaning
Bilingualism and Language Innateness
Semantics and Acquisition
Dialects, Registers, and Code-Switching
Code-Switching
Critical Race Theory and Resister
Notes
Chapter 3: Analysis of Academic Writing
The Input Hypothesis and Reading
Back to That Peanut Butter and Jelly Sandwich
Becoming an Insider
The Myth of Critical Thinking
Creative Writing Courses
The World of Doublespeak
Conditions of Satisfaction
Assignment 1
Assignment 2
Intention One More Time
Style Is Everything, Supposedly
Academic Writing and Education Goals
Questions to Ask: Teachers and Students
Writing in the Disciplines and Writing Across the Curriculum
Chapter 4: Academic Writing for Success: Implementing a Language Acquisition Model
Reading and Writing Activities
Selecting an Area
Structuring the Class
Life and Applied Sciences
Abstract
Hypothesis
Procedures and Methods
Sample Papers for Study
Physics
Sample Student Papers
Physics 20
Student Physics Paper 1 (S.W., a sophomore)
A General Introduction to Solar Cells
Physics 12
Student Physics Paper 2 (E.S., a sophomore)
The Efficiency of a Solar Cell as It Varies with Illumination
Introduction
Theory
Procedure
Conclusion
Physics 100
Student Physics Paper 3 (S.J., a freshman)
The Greenhouse Effect
Works Cited
Biology
Sample Student Papers
Biology 130
Student Biology Paper 1: (L.L., freshman)
The Effects of Jumpamine Chloride on Jumping Performance in Two Species of Frogs of the Genus Rana
Introduction
Materials & Methods
The effect of JCl on jumping distance
The effect of temperature on jumping distance
Results
Effect of JCl on jumping distance at 25°C
The effect of temperature on jumping distance
Discussion
References
Biology 20
Student Biology Paper 2: (C. B., sophomore)
Ontogenetic Color Changes
Abstract
Introduction
Materials and Methods
Results
Discussion
References
Academic Examples
Sample 1: Ants of Grenada
Sample 2: Cell Interactions and Patterned Intercalations Shape and Link Epithelial Tubes in C. elegans
Sample 3: Anatomical Specializations for Enhanced Olfactory Sensitivity in Kiwi, Apteryx mantelli
Sample 4: Effects of Habitat Loss and Fragmentation on Amphibians
Social Science
Psychology
Sample Student Papers
Developmental Psychology 310
Student Psychology Paper 1: A Research Proposal (A. V., a Junior)
Developmental Periods and the Stability of Same-Sex Sexual Orientation Through Emerging Adulthood
Abstract
Data Collection
Methods
Participants
Measures
Anticipated Results
Discussion
References
Psychology 10
Student Assignment 2: Article Analysis
Student Psychology Paper 2 (M.D., a freshman)
Analysis of Two Brainstorming Procedures
Introduction
Methods: Subjects
Design
Procedure
Problems
Scoring
Results
Discussion
Evaluation
Assignment 3: Psychology 201
Student Psychology Paper 3 (J.A. sophomore)
Bipolar Disorder
References
Professional Papers
Academic Text Sample 1
Academic Text Sample 2
Humanities: History
History
Sample Student Papers
US History 10
Student History Paper 1 (R. W., a sophomore)
Scopes, Bryan, Darrow, and the Monkey
Bibliography
World History 101
Student Paper 2: (A. S., freshman)
Karl Marx and His Alienation Theory
American History 10
Student Paper 3 (S. G., a freshman)
Preserving the Union
Note
Works Cited
Professional Papers
History Example 1
History Example 2
History Example 3
References
Index
