Our Body of Work: Embodied Administration and Teaching

Our Body of Work explores the physicality of bodily experiences in the academy, combining academic and personal essays from diverse voices to discuss intersectionality and create inclusive, embodied practices in writing programs and classrooms.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 272 pages
Publication date: 15 August 2022
Publisher: Utah State University Press

Our Body of Work is a groundbreaking collection that invites administrators and teachers to explore the profound impact of physical bodies on everyday work, labor, research, and administrative practices within writing programs. Through a diverse range of academic and personal essays, this book fosters a meaningful discussion about the physicality of bodily experiences in the academy. Open exchanges enable complex and nuanced conversations about intersectionality, highlighting how racism, sexism, classism, and ableism (among other "isms") shape systems of power. Contributors examine how these conversations are framed around work, practices, policies, and research, identifying strategies to create inclusive, embodied practices in writing programs and classrooms.

The collection is meticulously organized to maximize representation across various areas, including race, gender, identity, ability, and class. Scholarly chapters are followed by narratively focused interchapters that engage with and respond to the scholarly work, ensuring a comprehensive and inclusive approach.

The honest and emotionally powerful stories in Our Body of Work unveil problematic and normalizing policies, practices, and procedures, while offering diverse theories and methodologies that provide multiple paths for individuals to make the academy more inclusive and welcoming for all bodies. This resource will be invaluable for researchers, as well as a valuable addition to graduate and undergraduate syllabi on embodiment, writing instruction/pedagogy, and WPA work.

Contributors to this remarkable collection include esteemed scholars and practitioners from diverse backgrounds. Dena Arendall, Janel Atlas, Hayat Bedaiwi, Elizabeth Boquet, Lauren Brentnell, Triauna Carey, Denise Comer, Joshua Daniel, Michael Faris, Rebecca Gerdes-McClain, Morgan Gross, Nabila Hijazi, Jacquelyn Hoermann-Elliott, Maureen Johnson, Jasmine Kar Tang, Elitza Kotzeva, Michelle LaFrance, Jasmine Lee, Lynn C. Lewis, Mary Lourdes Silva, Rita Malenczyk, Anna Rita Napoleone, Julie P. each brings their unique perspectives and experiences to the table, contributing to a rich and diverse tapestry of insights.

In conclusion, Our Body of Work is a groundbreaking exploration of the intersection of physical bodies, work, and the academy. By combining academic and personal essays, this collection opens up a space for meaningful dialogue, challenging norms, and promoting inclusive practices. It is a valuable resource for researchers, educators, and anyone interested in understanding the complexities of embodiment and its impact on education and society.

ISBN-13: 9781646422333