Journal of Basic Writing, 50th Anniversary Issue: The Future of Basic Writing
In the first volume of the Journal of Basic Writing in 1975, Isabella Halsted wrote, “At all times, we should provide our students with an experience where no matter what the material, they are encouraged to discover their individual points of view and are given the chance to see that these are worthy of attention, that others are listening, and that there are effective ways to communicate them in writing. And by focussing on this, we will help our students to understand, and even enjoy, the process of writing” (80-81). Half a century later, as JBW celebrates its 50th anniversary, teachers of college writing are still driven by the desire to engage with students, their writing processes and their literacies, even if the writing tools, our own understanding of “effective communication,” and the students themselves have changed significantly.
Who are basic writers now? Who are basic writing teachers now? What is the state and status of “basic writing” as a field in an era of co-requisite instruction, guided pathways to degrees, credit for prior learning, and changing metrics for student success? And do we want to continue to use the term “basic writing” to contain an increasingly diverse set of people and practices? In this moment of transition, how do we – new or more seasoned teachers of writing, program directors and other stakeholders – want to shape a vision for the future of basic writing? We invite authors to reflect on the state and/or status of basic writing at their own institutions, university systems, states or regions and to place local observations in the context of current political, technological, environmental, or socioeconomic realities.
Please send 300-word proposals to jbwcuny by December 15th, 2024. Full manuscripts of under 5,000 words will be needed by July 31st, 2025. This special issue will be structured as a symposium-style conversation; authors selected for the issue will be encouraged to read and respond to the other contributors’ manuscripts. The expected publication date for JBW’s 50th anniversary issue is Spring/Summer 2026.
Dr. Lisa Blankenship
Associate Professor • Department of English
Co-Editor • Journal of Basic Writing
Baruch College • City University of New York