Date of Award
9-1-2021
Degree Name
Doctor of Philosophy
Department
English
First Advisor
Dougherty, Jane
Second Advisor
Hylin, Michael
Abstract
Through the diffractive examination of modern neuroscience, posthuman philosophy, and composition studies, this transdisciplinary research focuses on intrinsic motivation via homeostatic integration of self to initiate organic exploration of the powers involved in the creation of self and agency, and the ongoing making of meaning. Through this homeostatic integration, composition students connect their own goals and desires within the composition environment, and through a creative production model sustain curiosity in self-examination, achieving the following: increased motivation and positive affect, further integration of self in the classroom, improved cognition and long-term memory, and evaluation of human and nonhuman factors involved in ongoing self-formation. This further develops modern composition studies’ emphasis on equality, diversity, and social justice in the classroom, providing a framework through which students of all backgrounds and discourses can find emotional value in meaning-making that transfers to other classrooms, and to the world at large.
Access
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