Narrowing the scope

Given the personal impetus of this narrative research, it seemed obvious to begin with an analysis of digital composition opportunities provided in the English graduate program at Old Dominion University. In an effort to gain a broad perspective on assignment practices relative to new media composition, it was important to look at more than a single academic year. As a result, I selected the two most recent years up to and including the semester during which this research was conducted.

The English Department launched its doctoral program in Fall 2006 — a program that includes a New Media and Professional Writing track. It stands to reason that the creation of a track that emphasizes new media studies might positively impact the offering of digital media composition opportunities. Therefore, I requested syllabi from the year prior to the inception of the doctoral program as well (Fall 2005 – Summer 2006) to gauge whether the availability of new media assignment options changed.

Narrowing the scope • Collecting the syllabi • Analyzing the syllabi • Limitations (syllabi) • Home