We’ve all probably rolled our eyes at characterizations of our own generation from time to time, yet many of us have likely also stereotyped other generations. This class seeks to disrupt our tendencies to talk about other generations rather than sharing ideas with them. In the spirit of developing mutual understanding and new perspectives, our class pairs students with community members from previous generations as co-mentors.  This shared approach to learning facilitates conversations about personal experiences and perspectives as we explore what the American Dream means to the world, the nation, and to each of us.

This course is rooted in the idea that all people collaborate to construct and maintain knowledge through a process resembling an evolving conversation inherited and passed on by each generation. Our understanding of this inheritance and potential to relay it relies on our willingness to interact and share ideas with people who are different from us. Inherited knowledge may be treasured or forgotten over time. Generations all too often appraise these inheritances only after those who left them are no longer with us. Without generational memories to offer context, the meaning of generational experiences and aspirations is fragmented and lost to nostalgia, historical revision, and obscurity.

The class is designed to help you successfully enter and contribute to academic and civic conversations by enhancing your abilities to conduct rigorous inquiry, and participate in open, critical discussions with classmates and community members. You will learn to use writing as a tool not only for expression, but for reflection and refinement of your thinking.

 

Meet Your Instructor

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Eric O. Klinger
Teaching Associate Professor &
Writing Center Faculty Director

 

Email: Eric.Klinger@Colorado.EDU

Office Hours: TU/TH12:30-2:00 on ZoomLinks to an external site.

Course Readings and Materials: Accessible using the Canvas calendar for our course

 

Bio

I've taught upper and lower-division writing courses at CU Boulder since 2004. I also direct the Writing CenterLinks to an external site., which is an academic support resource that provides writing advice and feedback for students, faculty, staff, alumni, and university affiliates. My background is in rhetoric and professional communication, and I'm specifically interested how conversation and the writing process can shape mutual learning and personal growth. I firmly believe in the liberatory role of college education in promoting problem solving and progress both at the individual and societal level. I see writing and conversation as elemental to learning because they enable us to shape, articulate, and reflect upon our thinking and that of others. It is through this continuum of thought, conversation, and writing that we come to know ourselves and our world.

Office Hours

My remote office hours this fall are from 12:30-2:00 TU/TH and by appointment. I strongly recommend taking the time to meet with me at least once early in the semester to personally introduce yourself. Office hours are intended to be a time for asking questions and seeking support for your class work. I love working with students and encourage you to visit.The quickest way to reach me is by email. I generally respond to emails within one business day.

To meet with me during office hours, please open Zoom and click “Join Meeting.” When prompted, enter my personal meeting ID 230 948 8357