english 597r: research methods in rhetoric and composition

English 597r introduces students to research practices and methodologies employed in the field of composition and rhetoric. We will read, critique, and discuss empirical and ethnographic studies from a range of disciplines. As part of that inquiry, we will investigate the underlying epistemological assumptions of specific research methodologies that have been incorporated into the field of rhetoric and composition. We also will explore ethical issues related to the design, implementation, and representation of research. Students can expect to read works from Heidi McKee, Paul Anderson, Gesa Kirsch, Patricia Sullivan, Linda Flower, Thomas Miller, Laura Gurak, among others. Our class discussions will consider the roles of the researcher and participants and the sites, practices, and experiences of creating, pursuing, and publishing research studies. One requirement of the course will be the successful completion of IRB training to protect participants, which qualifies all university personnel for human subjects [sic] research. Students also will create and pursue both group and individual research projects. The group project will ask students to form a research team to investigate an aspect of our own Writing Program or another professor-approved site. In addition to the group research, students will draft an individual research proposal for their own scholarly project.


English 597r introduces students to research practices and methodologies employed in the field of composition and rhetoric. We will read, critique, and discuss empirical and ethnographic studies from a range of disciplines. As part of that inquiry, we will investigate the underlying epistemological assumptions of specific research methodologies that have been incorporated into the field of rhetoric and composition. We also will explore ethical issues related to the design, implementation, and representation of research. Students can expect to read works from Heidi McKee, Paul Anderson, Gesa Kirsch, Patricia Sullivan, Linda Flower, Thomas Miller, Laura Gurak, among others. Our class discussions will consider the roles of the researcher and participants and the sites, practices, and experiences of creating, pursuing, and publishing research studies. One requirement of the course will be the successful completion of IRB training to protect participants, which qualifies all university personnel for human subjects [sic] research. Students also will create and pursue both group and individual research projects. The group project will ask students to form a research team to investigate an aspect of our own Writing Program or another professor-approved site. In addition to the group research, students will draft an individual research proposal for their own scholarly project.	Michael the Gorilla. Stink Gorilla More. 2003.