Chapter 4: “Learning in Depth”: Themed First Year Composition Courses as Contemplative Focusing Strategies for the Overly Stimulated 21st Century Writing Student

This personal narrative essay explicates the pedagogical theories and practices that undergirded my introducing second-semester, first-year writing students at Florida A&M University to a themed course on Alice Walker’s work. In my essay, I discuss my contemplative approach to teaching writing and explain how advancements with communications technologies disrupted my pedagogical practice. Considering that my student population is predominantly African American 21st century learners who are often distracted and disengaged as a result of their hyperactive, technology-engrossed environment, I suggest that integrating Kieran Egan’s “Learning in Depth” proposal by way of themed-composition courses supports contemplative learning, for it invites students to deeply engage one theme for an extended period.