Welcome to
the Symposium on Second Language Writing 2006, the 5th
in a series of biennial gatherings of second language
writing specialists from around the world. The Symposium
began in 1998 as a way of bringing together internationally-recognized
experts in the field of second language writing to discuss
key issues in the field. This year's Symposium continues the tradition by featuring well-respected leaders
in the field who will address one of the most
fundamental yet often taken-for-granted issues: theory
in second
language writing.
2006
Theme: "Practicing Theory in Second Language Writing"
Theory is a term that has been used widely in the field of second
language writing. Yet, partly due to the interdisciplinary
nature
of the
field,
the
term
often means
different things to different people. Second
language writing specialists--teachers, researchers and
administrators--have yet
to have an open and sustained conversation about what
theory is,
how
it works and,
more
important,
how to practice theory.
This year's Symposium will feature sixteen sets of distinguished speakers
who will explore various aspects of theoretical
work that goes on in the field of second language
writing. The closing plenary will address the issue
of theory in writing
dissertations on second language writing.
The four
keynote sessions will take up the larger issue
of the nature
and role of theory in second language writing.
Ten additional sessions feature a distinguished panel
of invited speakers who will reflect on their own
theoretical
practices. Some of the key questions
to be explored include:
The Nature of Theory. What is the nature of theory in second language writing? What role does theory
play in second language writing research, instruction and
administration? Is it possible (or even desirable) to develop
a comprehensive theory or theories of second language
writing?
Applied Theories. How do various theories from other areas of inquiry inform second
language writing research, instruction and assessment?
What are some of the advantages of using theories from
other fields? What are some of the limitations? How can
the value of new theoretical perspectives be assessed appropriately?
Theorizing and Theory Building. How do second language writing teachers, researchers and administrators develop
theories of second language writing? What might a theory
of second language writing look like? What is the relationship
between the conceptual work of theorizing
and
data-driven theory building?
Practicing
Theory. How might second language writing teachers, researchers and administrators deal
with theory? What are some of the practical issues that
arise in working with various types of theory? How do
second language writing specialists learn to work with
theory? How does theory inform instruction and administration
as well as materials development?
The presentations will be complemented by the lively discussion during question
and answer sessions and through informal conversations
during the Symposium dinner.
2006
Graduate Student Conference on Second Language Writing
The Graduate Student Conference on Second Language Writing is a special event
held in conjunction with the Symposium. It provides opportunities
for graduate students to present their research and scholarship
on second language writing and receive feedback from
peers and from established scholars in the field in a
supportive atmosphere. To submit a proposal, please visit:
http://symposium.jslw.org/2006/cfp.html
Additional
Information
For
more information about the Symposium on Second Language
Writing--including past symposia and related publications--please
visit http://symposium.jslw.org/.