In WR 098, students engage in important conversations about complex issues related to globalization through their reading of numerous essays and a novel. Throughout the semester, students encounter multiple perspectives on themes such as linguistic and cultural differences, assimilation, tribalism, and definitions of home. The final paper of the course then asks them to formulate a conceptual problem and enter into a debate about one or more of those crucial themes. As international students—some of whom are experiencing living in a foreign country for the first time—WR 098 students tend to become quite invested in the course material and impassioned in the debates, establishing their own well-reasoned positions and challenging assumptions.
Yun Li’s writing talent was clear from the beginning of the semester, and I could tell that she had a special affinity for words and for writing as a form of self-expression. As the semester progressed, Yun consistently challenged herself on writing assignments, demonstrated by the sophisticated evolution of her ideas and argumentation, along with her linguistic growth. She had been commenting on the realistic possibility of cultural homogenization all semester, so her decision to enter into this debate in a formal way was a natural final capstone assignment to close out the course. In the early stages of her writing process, Yun’s position in this debate was quite undecided and, as a result of this lack of confidence in her point of view, her voice became rather muted in the discussion. As she continued critically engaging with the texts and her classmates, Yun came to some important realizations about assimilation and tribalism, and she was able to skillfully reorganize her argument and strengthen her voice. The result is the excellent prize-winning paper published here.
— LESLEY YODER
WR 098: Academic Writing for ESL Students 2