Bishop's lecture was my favorite of all the compositions we read this week, not by merit of being better written or even having a lot of really good ideas stuffed into 10 pages, but because it was sweet and a little bit sassy. The contrast of the poems at the beginning and end and the playful manner of her public address made the article a welcome break from all of the compositional theory and argumentation that preceded and succeeded "Against the Odds." Even the cliche title made the article stand out in its light delivery. The language was very simple, since it was intended to be spoken rather than read.
It's not to say that the article was without merit or a bit of fluff thrown into this week's reading. On the contrary, the article indicated what it will be like for those of us planning on going into teaching composition. All of the articles in this week's packets suggested that composition is not the most respected course in academia, that those who teach it are "a dedicated minority by choice" (324). In other words, we are insane, but passionate about our role as educators. We have to keep up-to-date with the new theories that are constantly coming out and being developed while also developing our understanding of older methods. A composition instructor must, therefore, be constantly on the move as educator and composer.
The other main focus of the lecture is composition conventions, especially since the lecture is being given at one said convention. A lecture or panel at a convention can be a good way to experience composition at its most challenging and least rewarding. If the talks weren't already given my seasoned composers, I would say that it would be really good practice for beginning composition instructors in the thankless work before them. It's exciting, however, to think of all the options that are available to educators and composers, alike: "person to person, feeling safe and unsafe, challenged and rewarded, confused and enthused, fatigued and renewed" (332), which is what makes being an instructor more worthwhile than difficult.
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I too found Bishop to be a soft compliment to the otherwise depressing or technically conscious authors. The blending of the poetry created a nice anchor that acted as more than just fluff as you put it. I also appreciated the positive approach that Bishop took while being honest at the same time; writing instructors receive zero credit and little love from the academic community, but fortunately, the work in itself is satisfying.
ReplyDeleteI cannon speak as university instructor or even a community college teacher, as it appears you aspire to be, but I can say with little hesitation that the feels Bishop expresses and you quote at the end of your post are real, and I have the opportunity to experience them daily. You definitely experience the bad, but the good is far superior and the experiences more regular.