Exigencies of Baldwin in FYW

[reynolds.s...@gmail.com]

Phase I Description:

Emphasizing the “exigency of Baldwin” in the political moment we live in, this session centers James Baldwin’s texts as a way to foster a pedagogy around students’ diverse discourse communities. We invite participants to join us in discussing ways to incorporate cultural rhetorics and vernacular traditions in FYW classes.

Phase II Description:

Baldwin, writing about race and sexualities in ways even contemporary scholars have difficulty imitating, raises important questions relevant to the unique moment in which teachers of first-year writing find themselves today. In addition to a brief brainstorming session sharing ideas, highlighting pertinent examples of Baldwin's work, and discussing Baldwin's relevance to first-year writing and the cultural climate, we invite participants to view our visual rhetorical analysis assignment sheet here.