The editors of this collection (Siskanna Naynaha, Wendy Olson, and Victor Villanueva) invite scholars in composition, rhetoric, applied linguistics, and literacy to submit manuscripts for a collection focused on the ways in which language, literacy, and the teaching of writing are embedded within larger systems of economic and social relations. Following the social turn in composition and rhetoric, much theoretical and pedagogical discussion has centered on the politics of student identity. And while this discussion has certainly enriched our conversations, the editors seeks to focus the discussion on how the politics of student identity, writing curricula, and writing programs are necessarily tied to the economic, a dialogue that is perhaps particularly relevant for writing instructors given burgeoning interests in technology and new media in composition studies, the institutionalization of writing programs in colleges and universities, and the rise of mandated assessment in the academy. This reorganization and appropriation of literacy and writing instruction into new relations of production occur at the same time that outside of the academy the middle class is shrinking, the gap between the haves and the have-nots widening.

In short, we’re looking for essays that discuss the political economies of writing instruction. We seek essays that describe and interrogate intersections among political and economic structures, and how these structures affect composition policies, practices, and pedagogies. We are particularly interested in essays that re-examine issues of access for those who have been traditionally excluded from U.S. American higher education (non-traditional students ,non-native speakers relatively new to writing in English, basic writers, and the like) in light of their distinct and sometimes contradictory relations to histories of writing instruction, literacy “crises,” and contemporary capitalism.

Those interested in taking part in this collection are requested to provide a précis over email. Précis and other inquiries should be directed to Dr. Wendy Olson at wmolson@vancouver.wsu.edu