Language, Literacy and the Teaching of Writing
in Multicultural Settings

Assignments

Teacher-Literacy Narrative

Think about your own background (class, race, ethnicity, sexuality, disability, and so on) and how it impacts what you bring to the classroom as a teacher and learner, as a user of language. These markers (and others) of multiculturalism shape how we view language and literacy within our multicultural society. Write a 4-5 page (double-spaced) narrative in which you discuss how your background and status as they relate to these markers impact how you see yourself as a teacher of language and literacy within a multicultural setting. Due: Rough Draft on Tuesday, June 15; Final Draft on Friday, June 18 (25%)

On-line discussion (in class)

You will participate in an on-line class discussion board (nicenet.org) in which you are required to post daily. Specifically, you will be required to

• A. Initiate an entry each day based on the day's reading and/or discussion
• B. Read classmates' postings
• C. Respond to at least one classmate's posting each day (25%)

Response Paper

One two-page (double spaced) response to one of the required books or three of the required essays. Pick an issue or question that emerges for you from the readings. Why does this issue/question intrigue you? In what ways does the reading speak to the issues that we've raised in the class and, specifically, to your teaching? Due: Thursday, June 17th at end of class. (25%)

Small Group Assignment

Pick two partners to collaborate with on (re)designing a writing-based assignment/activity for your class. This (re)design must take into account issues raised in the readings, and it can build on an assignment that we've read about in class. You must also present a short rationale for the assignment. How does it speak to your goals as a teacher, your district's goals, your students' needs and interests, and our concerns about multiculturalism, and multiple literacies? Your group will present the assignment orally and turn in a copy of the written assignment and rationale. Try out part of the assignment on the class. Your group will have 20 minutes for the presentation. Presentations are due on Friday, June 18. You will have time in class to work on the group presentations. (25%)