The Pedagogical Imperative: Teaching Social Justice in the First Year Writing Classroom

• In Event: “Teach Them Well and Let Them Lead the Way”: Theorizing Social Justice in the Classroom

Abstract

This essay argues that the First Year Writing (FYW) classroom is an ideal space to foster an interest in and appreciation for various feminist movements. For example, we watch Iron Jawed Angles, discuss the heterosexual matrix in conjunction with Hollywood films, and question how language conditions our understanding of gender. Through an examination of exercises, discussions, and writings within the FYW classroom, I explore the necessity for conscientious classroom practices that encourage a contextualization of historical feminist campaigns and envision future resistance.

Presenter

• Sarah Elise Fryett, Florida State University