Describes the problem of importing multiculturalism into the writing classroom and specifically the possibility of a multicultural approach to writing style. Considers the ghettoization of student writing that appears to be riddled with "errors." (HB)

Outlines four goals of the ideal literate self and describes them as an active response to various abuses of the "political potential of the personal." Recognizes that literacy is a trope and poses a literate self in the interest of social justice. Discusses four abuses and three examples regarding the politics of critical affirmation.…

Argues that Basic Writing students, teachers, and scholarship are crucial to enabling colleges and universities to realize their ideals of diversity, interdisciplinarity, and student-centered learning. Calls for more research exploring the potential of basic writing students to develop (and help others develop) "borderland" perspectives which may…

Presents a discussion of symposium participants' excitement as well as frustrations over the ways in which current work in composition and literacy studies has explored the politics of the personal. Offers an example of how personal writing can promote the material as well as the subversive authority of professional discourse. (SG)