17th Annual Student Research Conference
Language & Literature
Can We Tackle Wilde with a Five-Paragraph Essay? Why Teachers are Making the Move to Multigenre
Katie A. Gilbert♦
Dr. Alanna Preussner, Faculty Mentor
Can the essence of a rich interpretation of Oscar Wilde’s writing be contained in the introduction-body-conclusion box of the traditional academic essay? This project is an exploration of multigenre writing as an alternative to the standard modes of report writing so consistently used in classrooms today. Using the example of my own writing, I compare a critical research essay on the motif of detachment in Wilde’s The Picture of Dorian Gray with genre pieces (such as a word picture, poetry, and stream-of-consciousness narrative) that render this sense of detachment. This comparison emphasizes the value of multigenre writing as it yields creative and varied perspectives on the subject. While acknowledging the challenges of teaching multigenre writing, the paper addresses its advantages, including a more authentic engagement in the literary conversation, increased student and teacher interest, support of multiple intelligences of students, and more consideration of audience.
Keywords: multigenre, high school, teaching, writing, education, Oscar Wilde
Topic(s):English
Presentation Type: Oral Paper
Session: 46-2
Location: VH 1320
Time: 4:00