Defining a new kind of scholar, one who takes a holistic approach to his or her profession, involves examining models of writing that integrate personal and professional parts of one's life. As a vehicle towards holism, the essay is a superb model. It can integrate critical thought and personal expression organically and intelligently, inviting readers in rather than alienating all but a narrow readership. Because personal expression is integral to this model, I briefly examine a historical chronology of theories of epistemology and expressive discourse in the nineteenth and twentieth centuries. Next, I look at other writing models--therapeutic, philosophical, journal-oriented, and spiritual--for their integration of formative experiences in the writing process. These two contextual explorations lead to a chapter in which I propose my theory of the critical/personal essay as a scholarly vehicle that integrates theory and lived experience. To demonstrate the essay's flexibility and power, I then examine the writing of Nancy Mairs and several nature, medical, spiritual, and pedagogical essayists. Throughout the dissertation, I interweave excerpts from personal experience. These sections anticipate the final chapter, which is a personal essay examining the role of expressive writing and the sacred in my teaching history.
| Identifer | oai:union.ndltd.org:arizona.edu/oai:arizona.openrepository.com:10150/288938 |
| Date | January 1999 |
| Creators | Dupont, Leslie Ann |
| Contributors | Enos, Theresa |
| Publisher | The University of Arizona. |
| Source Sets | University of Arizona |
| Language | en_US |
| Detected Language | English |
| Type | text, Dissertation-Reproduction (electronic) |
| Rights | Copyright © is held by the author. Digital access to this material is made possible by the University Libraries, University of Arizona. Further transmission, reproduction or presentation (such as public display or performance) of protected items is prohibited except with permission of the author. |
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