A History of the Writing Center

1. An Evolution from Modernity to Post-Modernity A History of the Writing Center

2. Outcomes • You will understand: • The history of the writing center in American colleges and universities • The major political forces that shaped writing centers • Modernist versus postmodernist perspectives on writing center work • Major issues that have historically affected writing centers

3. Early History • Writing centers date back to the late 1800s on college and university campuses. • Roots in student literary societies • Declined in popularity during the mid-20th century • Enjoyed a resurgence during the 1970s with open admission policies

4. Discussion Question • Why would open admissions policies at colleges and universities be linked to a resurgence in writing centers?

5. Historical Tensions • Writing Centers have suffered ongoing misperceptions by students and faculty as “grammar garages” • Instructors have viewed Writing Centers with mistrust • Students have viewed Writing Centers as a service for remedial students