Much of Dr. Pearce's research stems directly from her administrative work in the PWR, such as her research on electronic portfolios and student learning / programmatic assessment, as well as her curricular work on hybrid courses. In addition, Dr. Pearce's research includes areas of rhetorical theory related to consumer culture and sustainability, focusing on the interplay of politics and economy in phenomena such as 'socially responsible' consumption. She is also interested in Science, Technology, and Society (STS) studies and the rhetoric of science, particularly public representations of science in mainstream media. Her primary motive for this research is pedagogical, as her work in these areas informs her teaching of first-year and upper-division writing courses themed around sustainability. She is also involved in campus efforts to support first-year students' wellbeing through faculty mentoring and strengths assessment programs.
keywords
first-year writing and experience curriculum and administration, portfolio assessment, hybrid and online pedagogy, rhetorics of consumer culture, sustainability and resilience, Science Technology and Society studies (STS), education and wellbeing
Teaching
courses taught
WRTG 1150 - First-Year Writing and Rhetoric
Primary Instructor
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Spring 2018 / Fall 2018 / Spring 2019 / Fall 2019 / Spring 2020 / Fall 2020 / Spring 2021 / Fall 2021 / Spring 2022 / Summer 2022 / Fall 2022
Rhetorically informed introduction to college writing. Focuses on critical analysis, argument, inquiry and information literacy. Taught as a writing workshop, the course places a premium on invention, drafting and thoughtful revision. For placement criteria, see the arts and sciences advising office. May be repeated up to 6 total credit hours.
WRTG 1160 - CMCI First-Year Writing and Rhetoric
Primary Instructor
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Fall 2019 / Spring 2022 / Spring 2023
Rhetorically informed introduction to college writing for CMCI students enrolled in CMCI 1010 or CMCI 1020. Focuses on critical analysis, argument, inquiry, and information literacy. Taught as a writing workshop, the course places a premium on invention, drafting, and thoughtful revision.
WRTG 3030 - Writing on Science and Society
Primary Instructor
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Spring 2018 / Summer 2018 / Fall 2018 / Spring 2019 / Summer 2019 / Spring 2020 / Summer 2020 / Fall 2020 / Spring 2021 / Summer 2021 / Fall 2021 / Fall 2022 / Spring 2023
Through selected reading and writing assignments, students consider ethical and social ramifications of science policy and practice. Focuses on critical thinking, analytical writing, and oral presentation. Taught as a writing workshop, the course addresses communication with professional and non-technical audiences. May be repeated up to 6 total credit hours.
