GCI

Great Cities Institute at the University of Illinois at Chicago

Faculty Scholar Detail, 2003-2004

Ann M. Feldman
Associate Professor
Director, First-Year Writing Program
Department of English, College of Liberal Arts and Sciences
Ordinary Writing in the Engaged University

During her term as a GCI Faculty Scholar, Ann Feldman focused on two projects. First, she began a book project entitled Ordinary Writing in the Engaged University, which is under contract with SUNY Press. During her year as a fellow she wrote the first half of the book, exploring what it means to design first-year writing instruction in the context of an engaged university. According to Feldman, as faculty take up engaged research that depends on participation from community partners, students and teachers should come to see learning to write as "participating in" rather than "writing about."

Professor Feldman's second project involved directing a three-year grant funded by the Corporation for National and Community Service that offers 48 incoming UIC students the opportunity to receive a Chicago Civic Leadership Certificate after completion of five courses and field-based experiences. This program integrates fieldwork at community agencies with coursework in writing and urban studies and emphasizes how leadership depends on the ability to communicate in complex situations. Professor Feldman is an Associate Professor of English and Director of the First-Year Writing Program at the University of Illinois at Chicago.

The Great Cities Institute Faculty Scholars Program brings UIC faculty to the Institute for a year in residence to begin, further, or complete an engaged research project. Scholars are free from their formal teaching responsibilities during their term. Prospective scholars apply by submitting a proposal that is peer reviewed along three key metrics of engaged research: interdisciplinarity, partnership, and impact.

GCI Faculty Scholars implement and further their own research agendas, as well as develop grant proposals, participate in the Great Cities Institute Lecture Series, and contribute to the Great Cities Institute Working Paper Series. Applications are released in the fall semester and due at the start of the spring semester.