An Evolution from Modernity to Post-Modernity

Outcomes  You will understand: The history of the writing center in American colleges and universities The major political forces that shaped writing centers Modernist versus postmodernist perspectives on writing center work Major issues that have historically affected writing centers

Early History  Writing centers date back to the late 1800s on college and university campuses.  Roots in student literary societies  Declined in popularity during the mid- 20 th century  Enjoyed a resurgence during the 1970s with open admission policies

Discussion Question  Why would open admissions policies at colleges and universities be linked to a resurgence in writing centers?

Historical Tensions  Writing Centers have suffered ongoing misperceptions by students and faculty as “grammar garages”  Instructors have viewed Writing Centers with mistrust  Students have viewed Writing Centers as a service for remedial students