Sacrifice the Body: Teaching the Value of the Physical in a Composition Classroom
Advisor Information
Nora Bacon
Location
UNO Criss Library, Room 225
Presentation Type
Oral Presentation
Start Date
7-3-2014 9:45 AM
End Date
7-3-2014 10:00 AM
Abstract
Work is hard on the body. From the intense injuries of meat packers to the sedentary strain of office workers, all labor takes a toll on the human form. It is this concept that inspired the development of a Composition I unit about “The Body at Work.” Using Freirian concepts of the Pedagogy of the Oppressed, this five-week unit was developed with the intention of challenging students to think about the physical effects of the human work life. In this case study, the material was implemented in a Composition I classroom where students were exposed to texts spanning various employment situations. They were then asked to consider the physical effects present in each author’s story, including tales of highly strenuous work, sedentary lifestyles, and those making the tradeoff between physical wellness and financial gain. Students were also asked to compose an essay detailing the relationship between ablebodiedness and the American Dream, further connecting the sacrifice of the physical to success. Exit interviews were conducted with the instructor and several students, revealing a heightened engagement with the texts and thoughtful writing that evidenced reflection and internalization of the key concepts of the unit.
Sacrifice the Body: Teaching the Value of the Physical in a Composition Classroom
UNO Criss Library, Room 225
Work is hard on the body. From the intense injuries of meat packers to the sedentary strain of office workers, all labor takes a toll on the human form. It is this concept that inspired the development of a Composition I unit about “The Body at Work.” Using Freirian concepts of the Pedagogy of the Oppressed, this five-week unit was developed with the intention of challenging students to think about the physical effects of the human work life. In this case study, the material was implemented in a Composition I classroom where students were exposed to texts spanning various employment situations. They were then asked to consider the physical effects present in each author’s story, including tales of highly strenuous work, sedentary lifestyles, and those making the tradeoff between physical wellness and financial gain. Students were also asked to compose an essay detailing the relationship between ablebodiedness and the American Dream, further connecting the sacrifice of the physical to success. Exit interviews were conducted with the instructor and several students, revealing a heightened engagement with the texts and thoughtful writing that evidenced reflection and internalization of the key concepts of the unit.