This course is inspired by the principle that authentic knowledge begins when we teach others. Through first-hand experience tutoring peers, you will deepen your understanding of writing as a process and craft to become a more knowledgeable and confident writer. Additionally, you will enhance interpersonal skills essential to academic and workplace communication and collaboration.
Course topics include theories of learning, college composition and rhetorical theory, best tutoring practices in writing centers, language acquisition, writing in and across disciplines, document design strategies, and grammar and style tutorials. You’ll participate in peer tutoring activities, learn to write a competitive cover letter and resume, compose response papers and a research paper, lead occasional class discussions, and compile an end-of-term portfolio.
Students will have the opportunity to complete an optional six-week unpaid tutoring internship in the Writing Center starting in March. Note: Eligibility to apply for future paid writing tutor positions requires successful completion of the course and internship.
This course fulfills an elective toward completion of the Writing Certificate and is open to all undergraduates who have completed a first-year writing class or its equivalent and are interested in tutoring peers.